Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Sandra Sue Smith
Sandra Sue Smith
Obituaries
By News Staff, on March 1, 2023
Sandra Sue Smith

July 11, 1944-Feb. 19, 2023

Sandra Sue Smith, was born in Aurora, Colorado on July 11th, 1944. She graduated from Granby, Colorado, then married Thomas Tucker in September 29, 1962. She had her 1st born son, Shane Tucker, he was born in September 29, 1963. Followed by his sister Cassy Tucker on October 31, 1966. They moved from Fraser, Colorado to Ouray, Colorado in 1972, where she found employment at Duckett’s Market for the following 16 years. That was followed by opening her home to daycare for many of the county’s growing population to whom she became a mother-like figure. In the following years she closed her home as she sought employment at Wolf Creek Cattle Company, where she retired in 2004.

After the passing of her husband Thomas Tucker, she moved to Aztec, New Mexico. She attended a high school reunion in 2004. She met an old high school acquaintance, Fred Smith, and shortly after they got married in 2005 and then for the next 17 years they enjoyed many travels, fishing and camping as well as their children and their grandchildren and followed by many great grandchildren. In her life she made many cherished friends and loved ones, her life was a life full of love and happiness, which was her wish, for her and her family. She passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 11:56 a.m. surrounded by her loved ones per her wishes in her home.

State to reduce highway speeds near Ridgway
Main, News...
HIGHWAY 550 SAFETY
State to reduce highway speeds near Ridgway
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to lower the speed limit for traffic along a half-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 550 north of Ridgway, near a section of road where the highest number of ...
this is a test
Main, News...
OURAY'S 2026 BUDGET
City trims jobs, capital expenses
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
A cautious Ouray City Council approved a $16.8 million budget for 2026 on Tuesday, leaving a handful of vacant jobs unfilled and slashing capital projects in anticipation of a potential economic downt...
this is a test
News
Schools adopt frameworks for AI tools
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Both Ridgway Secondary School and the Ouray School District have adopted guidelines for students to use artificial intelligence, joining the first wave of schools in the state to do so. Lining classro...
this is a test
News
As scams climb, experts offer insight on how to avoid them
Local bank, police officials: Fraud attempts growing in sophistication
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Anyone can become the victim of fraud. In Ouray County, one person lost $17,000 after being coerced into setting up a series of bank transfers. Property owners were duped by a home builder who created...
this is a test
News
CORRECTION
November 26, 2025
An article on Page 6 of the Nov. 20-26 edition incorrectly reported the Ridgway Town Council's votes on a new anti-idling ordinance. The ordinance was approved 5-1, with Councilor Michelle Montague vo...
this is a test
News
SEASON OF SHARING
Ouray County Peacejam
November 26, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Analysis: Housing hardship growing
No first-time homebuyers c an afford average-priced home in Ridgway, report says
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
An estimated 100% of potential firsttime homebuyers in Ridgway and 93% of those in Ouray County cannot afford to buy an average-priced home. Those are among the most striking findings in a housing nee...
this is a test
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
50 Years Ago
November 26, 2025
December 2, 1965 The old steam boiler which has heated the county courthouse for 40 years or more split its seams sometime Monday night. When the water ran out of the boiler the heat automatically cut...
this is a test
In San Juans, a case of winter whiplash
News
In San Juans, a case of winter whiplash
By Karen Risch 
November 26, 2025
Ouray finally woke up to its first measurable snowfall Monday, Nov. 24. While waiting for the magic of winter’s arrival, late or not, I found myself wondering: Would this 2025-2026 season’s first meas...
this is a test
Weehawken Creative Arts
News
SEASON OF SHARING
Weehawken Creative Arts
November 26, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
this is a test
News
Ridgway predicts revenue drop, approves draft budget
Town expects to exceed $5M in general fund spending, dip into reserves
By By Erin McIntyre and Lia Salvatierra erin@ouraynews.com lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Ridgway plans to spend more than $5 million from its general fund in 2026, while at the same time town leaders are predicting a drop in revenue. The town will need to draw on its reserves to balance t...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy