Mildred A. Smith; Accountant

Mildred A. Smith, a Ventura resident whose parents brought her to California from Nebraska in a new, three-door 1922 Ford, has died. She was 76.

Smith was born in Hastings, Neb., on April 3, 1921. Her parents, eager to strike out on their own, joined two other couples in delivering three Fords to California, said Mary Schwabauer, Smith’s sister-in-law.

“It’s a favorite family story how in the spring of ‘22, these couples drove all the way from Nebraska to California, going 50 to 100 miles per day, and camping next to the cars at night,” Schwabauer said.

The family first settled in Fillmore, and Smith spent 50 years living in the county area. When she was 8, she was stricken with polio, which made walking difficult, Schwabauer said. But her spirits never flagged.

“She was a delightful person to know, a wonderful storyteller, very funny,” Schwabauer said.

Smith had a deep appreciation of handicrafts and, when her health allowed, she would crochet and make lace. She also worked as an accountant for J.S.L. Inc., a family business that manufactured tools for the aerospace industry.

Smith is survived by a daughter, Lorna Bramley of Ventura; a sister, Elsie Holly of Washington; brothers Charles Schwabauer of Moorpark, Donald Schwabauer of Ventura and John Schwabauer of California; and two grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura, with Pastor Rick Swanson of the First Lutheran Church officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home in Ventura.