Bernadine Beatrice Smith

Bernadine Beatrice (Sheely) Smith, 93, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 30, 2026. Bernadine was born October 24, 1932, to parents John and Agnes Sheely of Coggon, Iowa. Bernadine married Richard Smith on September 25, 1951, and was married for 45 wonderful years. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend and will be dearly missed by all who were privileged to know her. She was a hard-working devoted Iowa Farmer’s Wife for 26 years and then Dad and Mom moved to Phoenix. She worked as a Supervisor with Chamber Belt Company and finished her work career at St. Francis Cemetery. Bernadine was a wonderful person with a great spirit and one of the most caring people anyone could ever meet. She hosted over 40 Arizona Thanksgiving dinners with family and friends. She loved to play Bingo, card games, travel, go on cruises, and spend time with all her family. She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Phoenix. 

She is survived by her daughters; Dianne Rick (George), Sharon Parbs (David), Linda Coonrad (Rick), and sons Richard Smith (Doris) and Daniel Smith. She was blessed with 12 Grandchildren: Matthew Rick (Holly), Robert Smith, Heather Rick, Michael Parbs (Heather), Tiffany Smart (Will), Bruce Rick (Zuhal), Jonathan Coonrad (Brittany), Ryan Coonrad (Marcelle), Eric Coonrad (Nicole), Ashley Scott (Austin), Anthony Smith (Mackenzie), and Dr. Joshua Parbs (Dr. Jason). She also has 20 Great Grandchildren. Bernadine was preceded in death by her husband Richard, parents John and Agnes (Woods) Sheely, Daughter Carol and Daughter-in-Law Kimberly Smith.

A visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, on Thursday, February 19th 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Rosary is at 6:30 p.m. The funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20th at St. Theresa Catholic Parish, 5045 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ. Internment following the mass at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. 

To honor Bernadine, in lieu of donations can be made to the Diocesan Council for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul/Diocese of Phoenix (P.O. Box 13600, Phoenix, Arizona 85002-3600) website: www.stvincentdepaul.net or United Hospice AZ, (2222 W. Parkside Lane, Suite 109, Phoenix, AZ 85027). Website: www.unitedhospiceaz.com