Virginia Lee Smith

Virginia Lee Carolyn Meline Smith passed away on August 20, 2016, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Born to Victor R. and Minnie Meline on March 31, 1928, in Julesburg, Colorado, she graduated from Julesburg High School and attended the University of Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Charles Smith, her daughter Jana Lee Bombardier and her parents. Survivors include her daughters Luanne Carol Kridner and her husband Don of Blue Eye Missouri, Geralynn Rae Clerkin and her husband Mike of Littleton, Colorado and grandchildren Scott Hultgren, Erik Hultgren, Kevin Clerkin, Trenton Clerkin, Jason Clerkin, Theresa Bombardier and Bethany Boyce, her brother Victor R. Meline Jr., six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Throughout her high school years she played the piano and organ at numerous church and community activities. This continued while she attended the University of Colorado where she majored in Music, preparing to be a concert pianist. At CU, she met the love of her life, Barney Smith, married and started a family. Virginia was a loving, attentive wife and mother. She would brighten any room with her smile and was a fabulous hostess, homemaker, and community volunteer. She touched everyone she met with her love, inspiration and generosity. She travelled the world with her husband, often representing the United States on People to People Tours. She also travelled extensively with friends, relatives and grandchildren. Her grandchildren were treated to trips from California to Alaska to Texas to Florida teaching them to love the natural beauty of our country and its people. A memorial service honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Horan and McConaty Mortuary, 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO. Burial will at her husband's side in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside CA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Alzheimer's Association of Colorado.