Rosemary Smith

Rosemary Jones Smith, age 88, of Ruidoso, New Mexico, passed away on October 26, 2024. She was born on October 9, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, to Artis Odel and Oreta Faye Jones.

Rosemary grew up working at The Vernon Greenhouses, a flower shop owned and operated by her parents, where she developed a lifelong love for flowers. She graduated from Vernon High School and continued her education at Abilene Christian College, where she met her husband, Stan Smith. They married on August 18, 1956, and shared 46 wonderful years until Stan’s passing on February 6, 2003.

Rosemary and Stan lived in numerous locations, including Midland, Texas, Kailua, Hawaii, and Waco, Texas, before retiring in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Throughout their journey, they made many lifelong friends.

Rosemary was a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and eagerly anticipated the arrival of additional great-grandchildren.

Rosemary had a deep passion for working with children and dedicated much of her adult life to nurturing young minds. She was pivotal in coordinating Vacation Bible School, church camps, and other church activities focused on children. Her dedication and love for children were evident in every event she organized, creating a welcoming and joyful environment for all.

Rosemary’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and faith in the younger generation left a lasting impact on many lives.

Rosemary also cherished spending time with friends from all walks of life. She had a unique ability to connect with people, and her friendships were marked by care and loyalty. She expressed her love through thoughtful gifts and acts of kindness, always going out of her way to make others feel special. To Rosemary, a friend was truly a friend for life, and she maintained these bonds with unwavering devotion. Her warmth and generosity touched the hearts of everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in her community.

Rosemary loved traveling to destinations including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Boston, and Brazil, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Her motto, “Love Each Other,” guided her actions. Rosemary was quiet and non-confrontational but steadfast in her beliefs. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Rosemary is survived by son Robert Leallen Smith and wife Joan, grandson Andrew and wife Madi, grandson Matthew, granddaughter Catherine and fiancé Reuben, granddaughter Christina, son Rodney Dale Smith and wife Kimberly, granddaughter Kasey and husband Samuel and great-granddaughter Etta and great-grandson Calvin, grandson Benjamin and fiancé Natalie, grandson Corey and his wife Katie, grandson Joshua, Daughter Natalie Jan Smith, granddaughter Jennifer, grandson Chris, granddaughter Rose and husband Riley.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday November 2, 2024. Her celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options.  If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/106148

Donations can be made in Rosemary's honor to Westbury Christian School https://www.westburychristian.org/afd/ and New Mexico Christian Children's home https://nmcch.org/donate/ .