Tana Jean Smith

Tana Jean Smith (Nix), 81, peacefully passed away with her two children at each side on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Boise, after a long battle with dementia.

A memorial service will be held at Discovery Church in Boise, Idaho on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:00 am. Cremation is under the direction of Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel.

Known to her family and close friends as “TJ,” Tana was the oldest of 6 children born to Robert B. and Mona S. (Howes) Nix. She grew up in the South Hill area of Spokane, Washington. Tana was a member of the graduating class of 1962 from Lewis and Clark High School. She met her future husband, Whitman M. Smith, Jr., of Chicago, Illinois in 1964 while he was stationed at Fairchild AFB in Spokane. Whit and Tana planned their wedding by mail while he was deployed to Vietnam from 1965-1966 and were married shortly after his return on February 4, 1967.

After spending a few years in Illinois and Ohio, they settled in Boise, Idaho in 1973 where they raised their two children, Michael and Kari. Tana and her family briefly moved to Hoffman Estates, Illinois for two years, but returned to Boise in 1989. Whit and Tana remained married until his death in 1999.

Of Tana’s many talents and roles, being a wife, mother, & grandmother were her favorite. She was devoted to her family, friends, church, and community. She was active in school functions, volunteered in our classrooms, served as PTA President for a couple years, and volunteered regularly through her church and organizations such as Love, Inc.

Tana never missed a game, match, recital, or horse show, and her encouraging voice could be heard above the crowd as she cheered us and our teammates on. She was selfless, nurturing, faithful, and always came through when we needed her.

Tana remained spry up to the end which we attributed, in part, to her 5-day a week workout regime at Curves for Women for many years, and regular daily walks.

Tana was preceded in death by her husband, Whitman M. Smith, Jr.; her parents, Robert & Mona Nix; in-laws, Whitman M., Sr. & Dorothy Smith; two brother-in-laws, Andrew Smith and Robert Boyd; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Coleman. She is survived by her siblings: Shirley (Ken), Donna, Tim, Chris (Julie), and Dan (Karen); as well as by her son, Michael (Ami); daughter, Kari; 6 grandchildren: Shawn (Ayla), Lexi, Nicole, Logan, Hadli, & Milo; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Tana’s passing has left a hole in our hearts, but it brings us peace to know she is with the Lord and our loved ones, and that her mind is now fully restored. See you when we see you, Mom.

The family suggests memorials and donations please be made to Stanton Healthcare, Boise, Idaho.