Leta M. Syria

Leta Mae Syria, age 92, lifelong Sunnyside resident died Friday, September 1, 2017 in Columbus, Montana.  Leta was born August 12, 1925 in Sunnyside, WA to Walter and Josie (Cecil) Dopps.  She spent her early years and was educated in Sunnyside, graduating from Sunnyside High School in 1943.  She went on to attend Washington State University before returning to Sunnyside to pursue a job in the banking industry. On March 16, 1947, she married the love of her life Louie Syria. They made their home in Sunnyside where they farmed Asparagus and Concord Grapes for 49 years until Louie died in December of 1996. When she wasn’t helping tend to the farm she enjoyed cooking, sewing, and going fishing at Twin Lakes with friends and family. She enjoyed traveling and creating ceramics. Leta was a lifelong Sunnyside resident and active member of her community until  November of 2015 when she was moved to Montana. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and charter member of the church’s altar guild, Charter Member of Nouvella Club, a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter L, an active contributor to Children’s Orthopedic Guild, an avid bridge player and active member of too many bridge clubs to count. In her youth, she was a state officer of the International Order of the Rainbow. She is survived by two children, Harold Syria of Reed Point, Montana and Louanne Stiltner and husband Scott of Richland, WA.  Four grandchildren: Courtney, Lisa, Jennifer, and Michelle; and five great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.   She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis W. Syria; sister, Jo Carlyle; grandson, Timmy; and two great grandsons.

Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, September 15, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Smith Funeral Home Sunnyside, WA.   Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Chapel of the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Burial will follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Leta’s online memorial may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.

 Service Information