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.

Welcome to the snow-deo
Main, News...
Welcome to the snow-deo
January 14, 2026
this is a test
Public: Rebuild Ouray PD
Main, News...
Public: Rebuild Ouray PD
Residents seek retention of independent agency after departure of interim chief
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 14, 2026
Ouray residents sent a clear message this week: They want to maintain an independent police department instead of permanently relying on the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. Faced wi...
this is a test
Main, News...
Tax questions linger as lodge proceeds with housing plans
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 14, 2026
MTN Lodge in Ridgway is moving forward with plans to convert the hotel to workforce housing for four years starting in February, though the town has yet to cement an agreement with the owners about pa...
this is a test
News
County OKs permit for guest ranch
Stipulations require Gold Mountain to account for bighorn sheep
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
January 14, 2026
Gold Mountain Ranch will be allowed to operate a guest ranch in Ouray County, and county commissioners hope the special-use permit they approved in December will allay community concerns about wildlif...
this is a test
News
EV charging station approved for 4-H Center
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 14, 2026
A high-speed electric vehicle charging station is coming to the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds parking lot as early as July. During a regular meeting Tuesday, county commissioners unani...
this is a test
News
Public renews debate over parking for recreation at Senator Gulch
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 14, 2026
New signs ordered for County Road 361 and the Senator Gulch parking area have renewed debates over how to improve safety at the high-use access point for winter recreation. The parking area below a ga...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
January 14, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago January 20, 1966 Two men, injured Thursday night when their ore truck plunged over a ...
this is a test
1884 ‘Big Snow’ a reminder: Careful what you wish for
News
1884 ‘Big Snow’ a reminder: Careful what you wish for
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
January 14, 2026
So far this winter we have had a reprieve from icy sidewalks and snow shoveling — a far cry from what Silverton experienced with the legendary "Big Snow” in March 1884. We are complaining about the pe...
this is a test
News
Local Briefs
Bid awarded for Corbett Creek work
January 14, 2026
Ouray County commissioners have awarded a more than $1 million construction contract to replace the bridge over Corbett Creek into Whispering Pines, more than five years after initiating the project. ...
this is a test
News
Lawmakers face $850M mountain of tough budget decisions
By Jesse Paul and Brian Eason The Colorado Sun 
January 14, 2026
The Colorado legislature began its 2026 lawmaking term Wednesday facing a mountain of tough budget decisions — about $850 million worth of them. That’s the estimated gap between what state lawmakers h...
this is a test
Birdwatching: An equal opportunity hobby for the family
News
Birdwatching: An equal opportunity hobby for the family
By Mary Menz Special to the Plaindealer 
January 14, 2026
Birdwatching is one of the most accessible hobbies for people of all ages. Little special equipment is required, though beginners often find binoculars and a guidebook to help them identify bird speci...
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