Erika Smith

Erika O. Smith Born in Riga, Latvia on December 3, 1921.(that’s the country next to Lithuania) Erika Brunner made her first home in Chicago. She married an American soldier Arthur Brunner. A newlywed and a new country seemed to be the dream she had waited for. She loved her new life and country. Arthur Brunner passed away, they had one child, Peggy Brunner. Erika met and married James Smith, a Chicago Firefighter. “Jimmy” as he was affectionately called, died while riding on a “hook and ladder” a month before he was due for retirement. There was now a move to Hot Springs in 1978 to be close to her daughter. She loved Hot Springs very much she often said “there was no place better place in the world.” She had no desire to ever leave America and return to her country of origin. Glitz and glamour defined Erika Smith. She continued to make plans for the future as her life on earth was ending; she was very strong and determined. Her love for animals was deep. She would sometimes visit people just to see their pets and she always fed the birds and critters. Now she is blessed with no more pain, and eternal peace. The celebration of her life will be at The Hot Springs Funeral Home 1017 Central (next to the Second Baptist Church) The service will be given by Steve Burns, the celebration of her life begins at 2:00PM on Sunday, July 25th. Erika Smith is survived by her daughter, Peggy Brunner-Maruthur of Hot Springs, Grandchildren, Marsha Porter and her husband Jamie of Michigan, Dr. Nisa Marisa Maruthur of Baltimore, and Grandson Mario Maruthur of Little Rock. There are great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren around the United States. Internment will be at Crestview Cemetery immediately following the service. The Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Loyd Wacaster, Mr. Al Albinson, and Mr. Stanley Dodd, Mr .David White, Mr. Leo Grebe, Mr. J.L. Moss, and Pullman Heights United Methodist Pastor Ron Grigsby. A special thank you to Dr. Russ Deluca, Dr. Daniel Owens, Dr. Timothy English and the Medical-Surgical Unit at NPMC for their patience, kindness and caring during my Mom’s final days on earth.

Erika Smith

July 23, 2010