Nancy K. Smith, age 95, has passed away peacefully at home in California surrounded by her family. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she graduated from Wayne State University and then began a 36year career in public education. As a first year teacher at Jefferson Jr. High in Detroit, she met the love of her life and husband for over
May 11, 1928-Jan. 26, 2024
70 years, Richard “Don” Smith. Together they lived a life of love, adventure, and travel.
In the late 1960s, they and their two daughters began spending summers in the mountain town of Ouray. Ouray and the life-long friendships they made there are a deep source of joy. For Nancy, jeeping, discovering lost hiking trails, picnicking, and backpacking in the San Juans were special joys.
Nancy will be remembered for her love of family, her sense of humor, her desire for life-long learning, and her passion for both world travel & her Ouray mountain home. She is survived by her husband Richard ” Don” Smith, daughters Rachel and Gretchen, and grandson lan. The family is forever grateful for the love and care Nancy received from her dear friend and caregiver, Maria Zamora. Special thanks to all the wonderful friends from Colorado, California and Michigan who enriched Nancy’s life for decades.
A celebration of life picnic in Ouray is pending. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Ouray Trail Group, P.O. Box 50, Ouray, CO 81427 or to Woman’s Club of Ouray County, P. O. Box 101, Ouray, CO 81427.
