Thursday, October 1, 2026
Dolores “Dee” Marie Smith, age 90, passed away peacefully in the morning of Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Everett. She was born Dolores Marie Koglin on July 23, 1935, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, but if you knew her, you knew better than to call her Dolores. It was Dee, always Dee, and she made sure of it.
Dee proudly called Edmonds her hometown, where she built a life filled with faith, family, and more than a few good stories. She was the daughter of Mary and Edwin Koglin, and grew up with her brothers, Glen and Kay.
A true original, Dee was the first woman in her family to attend college, graduating from Anderson College (now Anderson University) in Indiana. She loved learning and reading, and seemed to have an endless “to be read” pile that she was always working through (and somehow adding to).
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she had a deep love for her church, the Church of God, founded in part by her grandparents. Dee also loved to travel, and whenever possible, she found a way to combine her devotion with her sense of adventure.
Dee was smart, kind, and quick with a witty remark. She had a well-earned pride in her sense of style and was never one to shy away from a little flair. She also successfully ran her husband’s dental practice alongside Dr. Curtis D. Smith for decades, keeping things organized, running smoothly, and everyone else on their toes.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michele Nievaard, Monica Sexton, and Kyle Smith; and her grandchildren, Blake Nievaard, Alexa Nievaard, and Riley Sexton.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Brookdale Senior Living, 11333 Third Place West, Everett.
In honor of Dee’s life, and in memory of her father Edwin, who passed away too soon from heart disease, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.
Dee loved a good dad joke and never took life too seriously if she could help it. They say that when you pass, you become a star. If that’s true, then Dee is undoubtedly the brightest, most glittery, over-the-top star in the sky, as she would have wanted.
She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and occasionally laughed about, in the very best way.
