Lifetime Manassa resident Curtis Sanford Smith, 89, died Sept. 13, 2023, at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa.

Curtis was born in Manassa, Colorado on April 9, 1934, the proud son of George E. Smith and Cella K. King Smith. He married Genevieve M. Quirico in Alamosa, Colo., on Feb. 4, 1956. They enjoyed more than 67 years together.

Curtis began his working career working for the railroad in Alamosa, then moving to California where he worked on the railroad there for a few years. He then moved back to Colorado and took a job working for Grefco Perlite Mine near Antonito, Colo., and worked there for more than 8 years. He then worked until his retirement for the North Conejos School District as a Janitor at the Centauri High School.

Curtis loved almost everything that had to do with horses, including rodeos, calf roping, and horse racing. He was a member of the Manassa Saddle Club since the age of 15, and that lasted for more than 70 years. Curtis was also an avid hunter and he loved to watch the school basketball, football, and softball games. He even coached his church ball team and the girls’ softball team. He looked forward to the Manassa Pioneer Days Celebration every year and considered that one of the highlights of the year. Curtis was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions throughout the years.

Curtis is survived by his wife Genevieve Smith of Manassa; his children Renee (Jesse) Vance of Harrison, Neb., Stewart (Tamera) Smith of Manassa, Colo., and Tim (Debra) King of Manassa, Colo.; grandchildren: Jeff (Ashley) Vance, Racheal (Vincent) Rios, Kassie (Mario) Barrera, Vaughn (Marissa) Smith, Jennifer (Juvie) Lopez, Anna Rae Smith, Whitney (Ryan) Jaramillo, Clay (Kristi) Smith, Justin (Tiffany) Smith, Lacey (Trevor) Beckstead, Brett King, Robert King, Brittany (Tanner) Guymon, and Tori Sowards; his brother Jerry Smith of Mesa, Ariz.; as well as 43 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, his sons Curtis Vaughn Smith, Mark Alan Smith, and Donald Wayne Smith, and his brother Carlyle Smith.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, from 6-8 p.m. at the Manassa Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Graveside Service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at the Manassa Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, words of comfort and remembrances of Curtis for his family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.