Retha Mae John, 87, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Sunday, February 9, 2014. She was born in Vernonia, Oregon, the daughter of the late Oscar Arthur and Ora Belle (Lee) Smith.

Rete enjoyed camping with her family, crocheting, quilting, and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved children and if there was a baby around it wouldn’t be long until it was in her arms. She was always smiling, joking, or harmlessly teasing someone.

Rete will be forever missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

She is survived by: her daughter-in-law Lee Ann (Babcock) John and honorary son-in-law Gary Adams, both of Sweet Home; brother Ronald Smith of Vernonia; grandson Mark John and his wife Suzanne of Salem; granddaughter Rebecca and her husband John Keeler of Tillamook; seven great-grandchildren, Nickolas and Alexander Whitmore of Lebanon, Kendall John of Hubbard, William and Owen John of Salem, and Hunter and Justen Keeler of Tillamook; and great-great-grandson Gavin Spencer of Sweet Home.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband Milo John; son Duane John; brothers Delbert, Clifford, Wayne, Roscoe “Doc”, Garlyn “Sam”, Kenneth “Spud”, Raymond, and Donald “Bob”; sisters Mildred Hult, Maxine Smejkal, Beryl Cota, and Ruby McDonald.

Viewing will be from4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A funeral service is planned for 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2014 at River of Life Fellowship. Final burial will be at Lewis Cemetery.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.