Barbara Jean Smith

Barbara Jean Smith was born on March 9, 1946 in Goodland Kansas.  Throughout her life, Barb loved cooking, family, grandkids, loved trying new things, animals, supporting community, and was an avid Yuma sports fan and supporter.  As a child she lived in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado, graduating from Yuma Union High School in 1964.  In late childhood and early adulthood, Barb became a role model for her younger siblings, helping to care for them.  Throughout her life, she was a caregiver, and true Matriarch for her family. 

After graduating high school, she began working at the laundry mat behind Shop All, where she met the love of her life, Richard Eugene Smith.  They married on August 17, 1968 at The Yuma Methodist Church.  To their union were Jim, John, Esther and Robert.  They raised their four children on the Smith Farm South of Base Line, and established a home that was welcoming to friends and family. 

Throughout her life, Barb was an active member of the Yuma community.  She was a member of the Yuma United Methodist church, an avid sports fan loving the Yuma ballfield and for a time ran the summer concessions.  She was very involved in all her kids and grandkids lives, and one of her greatest joys was when her children were growing up becoming a cook at the Yuma School District to be closer to them.  During this time, not only was she able to raise her children, she was able to pursue a career as a dietitian after achieving her degree at NJC.   Prior to retiring, Barb transitioned to Yuma Life Care, and became the head dietitian.   

After retiring, Barb became an avid traveler, having visited 46 out of the 50 States, most of them driving across the country visiting friends and family.  Some of her favorite past-times included cooking, baking, family/grandkids, supporting the community, dogs, collecting Angels, and a Suburban’s full of kids. 

Barb is preceded in death by her parents Hans Tedal McCloud and Lola Mae (Taul) Bowker; siblings Linda and Jerry; husband Richard Eugene Smith.  Barb is survived by siblings Bobby, Judy, Chris, Lana, Louis, and Charles Ray; children Jim, John, Esther, and Robert; Grandchildren Xavier, John, Zachory, Kadin, Grace, Gary; and numerous nieces and nephews.

May she continue to be our true Matriarch by being our guardian angel in heaven.

A memorial service was held on January 25, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Yuma, Colorado.  Inurnment followed the service at the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Colorado.  Pastor Jamie Nieves officiated the service and Baucke Funeral Home handled the arrangements. 

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