Rosemary Constance "Connie""Bobbi" (Niichel) Smith

Rosemary Constance "Connie" Smith passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 27, 2017.  Her family called her "Bobbi," the nickname she was given by her granddaughter when she was two years old.  Bobbi was as enduring as her nickname, as she valiantly and strongly resisted the Alzheimer's that finally led to her death.

Rosemary was born to German immigrants, John and Elizabeth Niichel, on April 3, 1928 in Buhl, Idaho.  She attended school in Buhl with her older brother, Hans, and her older sister, "Elsie."  Since her family spoke only German at home for many years, she learned to speak English on her own at school. Rosemary continued her education at Boise Junior College before marrying her husband of 66 years, Edwards J. Smith "Smitty," in September of 1947.  They welcomed their daughter, Valerie into their family in 1949.

Rosemary worked the majority of her life, first at the Idaho Employment Office and then in retail sales.  Her retail experience included The Bon Marche and Carrol's Department Store among others.  In her "spare" time, Rosemary enjoyed traveling and camping in their motor home.  And her grandchildren have many fond memories of their trips together.  She had a soft spot for all animals, and a particular love for her own pets.  She was famous in her family for baking her legendary chocolate chip cookies, which disappeared as quickly as they were taken out of the oven.  She relaxed with her art work, which she so loved to do. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother and great grandmother, and she spent as much time as possible with her family.

Rosemary leaves behind her daughter, Valerie Bingham, her grandchildren, Jeff Buttars and Tracy Richardson-Fray (Allan), and great grandchildren, Aidan Fray, Teagan Fray, and Anistyn Fray.  She was the last of her siblings, Hans and "Elsie," to leave their earthly home.

"Bobbi, we love you and miss you!"

Rosary will be held for Rosemary at 6:00 pm Sunday, October 8, at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, October 9, at St. Paul's Catholic Church at 510 W. Roosevelt in Nampa.  Dinner will immediately follow at the old St. Paul's Dempsey Hall at 1515 8th Street S. in Nampa.  Following the dinner, Rosemary will be laid to rest at 3:00 at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

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