Legendary Native American Johnny Smith passed from this life to his eternal rest on August 7, 2020 at his home in Schurz.  He was 99.

Johnny, as he was affectionately known, was born on a high mountain ridge near Engles Mine in Taylorsville California where his father was a blacksmith.  There Johnny resided with his parents Seymour (Maidu tribe) and his mother Louise (Pit River Tribe).
Johnny attended the Lincoln school on North Valley Road in Greenville and was gainfully employed as a child hand milking cows enroute to school and after school.  Johnny went on to attend Greenville High school, where he distinguished himself as an athlete running track. Johnny was also a member of the high school band as a drummer.  While still in high school Johnny remembered hearing the rumblings of war while working in a local lumberyard piling lumber. He knew when his 35 year old partner was drafted that he would soon receive a letter instructing Johnny to report to Monterey California for an armed services induction physical.

In 1940, at nineteen years old Johnny Married Gladys Peck. Shortly thereafter he was inducted into the army's 82nd Airborne.
Johnny was a perfect fit, because of his athleticism and years of hard physical work he was prepared for his eventual role as a paratrooper jumping from C-47's. Johnny recounted going into the army weighing 157 pounds and on his return to civilian life at the conclusion of WW11, he weighed only 120 pounds.  Johnny was a very proud Veteran and maintained a lifetime membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion as well as the 82nd Airborne.

Johnny and Gladys would go on to welcome 6 children into their family,
Son- Seymour (Cowboy) Smith
Son- John Jr. Smith
Daughter- Idella Smith Griffin
Son- Jesse Smith
Daughter- Anita Smith Mullen
Son- Tyre (Tucson) Smith
Later adopting their grandson Monte Smith
Johnny and Gladys were employed as ranch managers for Ella Byrd Brown Cooper in Indian Valley and Oroville, beginning in the early 1960's. Johnny was an accomplished cowboy and cow man. Gladys kept the crews fed and cared for smaller livestock and raised their children.
Johnny was widowed in 2003, with the death of his beloved Gladys. John and Gladys has 15 grandchildren and innumerable great grandchildren.

Johnny married Vernadine, who he had met at a pow wow. They married in August of 2004. Together John and Vernadine made amazing crafts and beautiful leatherwork but loved going to craft fairs where they immensely enjoyed gathering around the camaraderie of people. They traveled extensively but particularly between Schurz, Nevada where they made their home and Johnny's beloved homeland in Indian Valley.

Johnny Smith was loved and respected by all who he encountered. Johnny has an almost magical ability to relate to all people and to make each person feel cared for and loved. Johnny was very proud of his Native American history and culture, he served his life as a true ambassador of the Maidu tribe.

In keeping with his wishes no Memorial service is scheduled at this time.  His cremated remains will be placed at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors at a later date..  Family and friends can sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447 (775) 463-2911