December 18, 1929-November 28, 2023
On November 28, 2023, Rubye Oleta Smith, a loving companion, mother and sister, passed away peacefully at 93 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Oleta was survived by John Noell, her son Mike Whitfield and his wife Juli, along with daughter Patty Lewis and sister Nelda Coffman.
Oleta was known as “The General.” A take-charge individual who could hold her own with anyone. She began her journey some 40 years ago in the wholesale gift and jewelry industry where she ran one of the largest Manufacturer Rep Agencies in the Rocky Mountain Region. However, after her second husband passed away, Oleta picked up and moved to Ouray where she and Patty ran what was undoubtedly her greatest passion: the Rockin’ P Ranch store.
Oleta loved the simple tranquility and peacefulness of the area where she enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling and walking in the park with John and their dog Cody. As so many can attest to Oleta was such an extraordinary woman who was always willing to help those in need.
She will be greatly missed by her loving family and always remembered in their hearts.
We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss. The Celebration of Life Service for Oleta will be held in the summer of 2024 with more details to follow.
To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.callahan-edfast.com.
