Constance Ruth Herbert

Constance Ruth (Smith) Herbert, whose devotion to her family and her community defined her life, died peacefully at home on August 21, 2026 in Corvallis, Oregon. She was 99. Constance was born on May 3, 1927 in St. Albans, West Virginia. She was one of four children born to Claude Leander Smith and Josephine (Reinwald) Smith. She graduated from St. Albans High School in 1945, and attended Concord College and Morris Harvey College, after which she taught elementary school for two years. Constance married Frank Harvey Herbert of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 22, 1949 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in St. Albans. Within a decade, they were parents to six children, whose well-being became Constance’s unswerving mission. She steadfastly coordinated many children’s activities, packed thousands of school lunches, and prepared delicious meals nightly. And her baking skills were legendary, especially when it came to her brownies and cherry pies. Besides her devotion to her family, Constance was a lifelong Episcopalian. She was a dedicated parishioner even as her family moved several times to various communities, including: Wilton, Connecticut; Lawrence, Kansas; Pocatello, Idaho; and finally Corvallis, where she and Harvey settled in 1991. Constance was also active in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization that helps women attain educational goals. She was a member of the BJ Chapter of P.E.O in Pocatello, and the S-CL Chapter in Corvallis. Constance is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Ann (Smith) Austin; her six children: David of Kansas City, Missouri; Michael (Carol Otramba) of West Linn, Oregon; Mary of Lubbock, Texas; John (Margaret Laub) of Heber, Utah; Anne of Camano Island, Washington; and Steven of Silverton, Oregon; her ten living grandchildren: Dustin, Erin, Elizabeth, John, Christopher, Jennifer, Philip, Richard, Jesse, and AnnaRose; and four great-grandchildren: Tucker, Charlotte, Miles and Isaac. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; her parents, Claude and Josephine; her sister, Mary Josephine (Smith) Trowbridge; her brother, Roy Anderson Smith; and her grandson, Daniel Herbert. Constance will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her concern for the welfare of others, and her devout faith. Her wit was sharp, the twinkle in her eye beguiling. Her family members will especially miss her ability to tell compelling and often hilarious stories from her past. A private memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in St. Albans, West Virginia, on October 13. Memorial gifts can be made to The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) in Corvallis.

Constance Ruth Herbert

May 3, 1927 - August 21, 2026