Val Smith

There will be a memorial service on June 24, 2017, for Valerie Ann Naples Smith. She died March 21, 2017, at the age of 51.

She had battled cancer for 18 years.

Val was born Nov. 26, 1965, in Burlingame. She grew up in the Bay Area in the hills of Belmont. Val graduated with honors from Carlmont High School, and UC Davis; earning a degree in international relations.

Val met her husband, Doug, in college. They moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1989 and married in 1990. Val worked as an accountant for more than 27 years, 25 for David, Johnson & Larsen Ltd. in Zephyr Cove and most recently at McCabe & Totah LLP in San Jose.

Val loved spending time with her family, running on the trails, growing vegetables, scrapbooking, and enjoying good wine, conversation, and food with friends. Val inspired everyone in how she smiled and laughed while fighting ovarian cancer, even carrying the torch for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

Val is survived by her husband Doug, daughters Kelsey and Kira, all of Lake Tahoe; father Paul Naples of Fresno; mother Patricia Cook Schaible of Sacramento; brother Tom Naples of Fresno; and numerous cousins.

Services will be June 24 at 11am, Sierra Community Church, 1165 Sierra Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

Val wanted a scholarship to support local high school students who pursue distance running to enrich lives. The family has created a fund for this purpose. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a tax-deductible contribution payable to the Douglas County Community Foundation, or DCCF, a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, and note “Valerie N. Smith Scholarship” in the memo. Contributions will be accepted at the memorial service or can be sent to: Douglas County Community Foundation c/o David, Johnson & Larsen Ltd. P.O. Box 1968, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448.