Ninety-three year old lifelong Manassa resident Robert Gail Smith passed away at home with his family by his side on June 10, 2018. He was born June 4, 1925 in Manassa, CO to James Hubert Smith and Evaline Jack Smith. He was married to his wife, Willie Mae Williams Smith, for 60 years until she passed away in 2004. They were sealed for all time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Gail loved making silver and turquoise jewelry, he was a very talented artist. He loved to go to art shows to sell his jewelry and talk to people. He made many lifelong friends and he had jewelry all over the world. He loved to prospect, mine, and fish. He also loved to raise a huge garden every year, and he was able to do it all on his own up until the very end. He loved having big parties with family and he loved to dance. He taught all of the kids how to do the two-step and how to drive.

He was a World War II veteran. He was in the army and spent 2 years in the Philippines. He landed in Hiroshima 3 days after the bomb dropped.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a scout leader and he served in the bishopric.

Gail is survived by his sister Floraine Wilson of La Jara, CO and his 4 daughters Judy (Joe) Medina of Colorado Springs, CO, Ruthie (Lyle) Sutter of Manassa, CO, Cindy (Karen) Smith of Durango, CO, and Sharon Fackrell of Las Vegas, NV.

Grandchildren: Rick (Deb) Medina, Sandra (Bob) Travis, and Scott (Stephanie) Medina all of Colorado Springs, CO. Suzanne (Kenny) Erickson of Chama, NM, Julie (Shane) McGinnis of Windsor, CO, and Sheena Sutter of Manassa, CO. Skyler (Josh) Nichole s, Tawny Fackrell, Cord Fackrell, Logan Fackrell, and Alexis (Eric) Woods, all of Las Vegas, NV.

Great-grandchildren: Resha, Tarin, Ryan, Rachel, Matthew, Brandon, Jarrod, Asia, Evan, Reese, Taber, Morgan, Hunter, Dawson, Jagger, Killian. Great-great-grandchildren: Kael, Adley, Jasmine, Ryker.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Mae Smith, his parents and siblings, Evelyn Anderson, Dallas Smith, Jack Smith, Betty Ross, Odell Smith, CoraLee Otteson, Phylis King, Bonnie Loree Smith, and Bessie Mae Smith.

Visitations will be Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 5-7 pm in the Manassa 1st ward primary room in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Friday June 15, 2018 from 10-10:45. The funeral will be at 11am at the same church, with the burial following at the Manassa Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge Conejos County Hospital for the exceptional care given by doctors and nurses and also Hospice Del Valle.  Rogers Family Mortuary of Manassa is in care of the arrangements.  To leave online condolences, tributes and remarks for Gail’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com