John Ray Smithson of Kennewick, Washington, formerly of Knippa, Texas, died on October 3, 2007 at the age of 61 after fighting a long, hard battle with cancer. He was born on July 17, 1946 in King City, California to Harvey Ray and Lorene Smithson. He married Tanna Scott, his high school sweetheart, of Kennewick, Washington, on August 4, 2005. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorene Smithson. He is survived by his father, Harvey Ray Smithson of Casa Grande, Arizona; wife Tanna Scott-Smithson of Kennewick, Washington; three daughters, Lori Rae Hamilton and husband Johnnie of Model, Colorado, Bobbie Kay Turkett and husband Patrick of Castroville, Texas, Shanna Leone and fiancée Aaron Bertelsen of Richland, Washington; one son Shawn Ray Scott of Kingsland, Texas; one sister, Julene Hollenbach and husband Tom of Casa Grande, Arizona; four grandchildren, Aaron Colt Hamilton and Travis Ray Hamilton of Model, Colorado, Anna Leone and Jacob Anders Bertelsen of Richland, Washington; niece, Sharene and nephews, Shawn, Seth and Scott Hollenbach of Casa Grande, Arizona and mother-in-law, Ida Scott of Tow, Texas. John received a B.S. in Animal Science from University of Arizona in 1970. He served two years in the Army as a Sergeant in the Veterinary Medical Company and was stationed in Korea for a period of time. John grew up on a ranch in California and was an avid rodeo fan. John was engaged in farming and ranching in Knippa for over 20 years. He also worked for Simplot Cattle Company in Pasco, Washington. He was a member of various sheep raiser associations, farming associations, Uvalde County Livestock Show, Knippa ISD school board and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. John was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, husband and friend. He will be missed by many who knew him and loved him. Funeral Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 4445 S. Olympia St in Kennewick, Washington on October 8, 2007 at 11am with viewing one hour before the services. Graveside dedication will be held in Tow Valley Cemetery near Llano, Texas on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Cancer Research Fund In memory of John Smithson, C/o Dr. John Thompson Seattle Cancer Care Alliance 825 E. Lake Ave. E. Mail Stop G-4-830 Seattle, WA 98109-1023