Audrey Elaine Smith

Audrey Elaine (Wood) Smith was born on November 30, 1943, in Goodland, Kansas. She was blessed with her wonderful parents, Harvey William and Iona Dale (Baker) Wood and five siblings. She was brought home to the second-generation homestead ranch north of Stratton where she lived until she later married.  Audrey loved the ranch and referred to home as the Wood pile. Many stories of her childhood were expressed, including dressing up her kittens and pushing them around in a baby carriage.

 Audrey attended school in both Kirk and Stratton, which she graduated from in 1962.  She met the love of her life. Doyle Smith at a high school dance.  After high school she worked at the Stratton bank and was united in marriage to Doyle on May 6, 1962, in Stratton, CO. Audrey and Doyle later became proud and loving parents to three children: Shane Allen, Grant Ferrin, and Darcey Deric. 

Over the years, the Smith family lived in Stratton; Fruita; Eaton; Monte Vista; Smithville, Missouri; and eventually retired to Ft. Collins where Audrey passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 81.   Despite moving and living in different areas of the country, the family has always a strong connection to Stratton and the community and their own established roots.

Her compassion for people was apparent when she volunteered a few days of the week to deliver Meals on Wheels.

Audrey’s passion was her family.  She made her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family feel special with a bond unique to each one.  She left an indelible impression upon everyone she encountered.  She sacrificed her own comfort to care for her family and extended family.  Selflessness was a typical trait of Audrey’s as well as generosity. For example, while living in Missouri, Doyle and Audrey supported a niece and her children in a time of need, by providing them with a place to live, childcare, security, and love.   Audrey loved giving and receiving hugs from her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grace, kindness, generosity, beauty, sense of humor, laughter and smile were contagious.

Audrey loved the comforts of home, but she also loved traveling with her family and RV camping trips.  There were 2 appreciated family trips with her grandchildren. One trip was to the beach and Disney World/Epcot in 2005, and the other trip was a family fishing trip to Canada where all the grandchildren stayed in the cabin with their granny/grandma and the 2 boys traveled in the pickup with her and grandpa making her laugh many times over during the duration of the trip. She loved roses, reading good books, raising violets, teapots, the color purple, watching TV, paintings by artist Thomas Kinkade, old barns, butterflies and photos of friends and family were displayed throughout her home.  

Audrey is survived by her husband of 63 years, Doyle of Fort Collins, CO; son Shane of Fort Collins, CO; son Grant and wife Jena of Dickinson, ND; son Darcey of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren Chase, Mishayla, Lacee, Kaeden, and Kaylee, and great-grandchildren Elaina and Eleanor.  As well as her brother Bud and wife Eva of Yuma, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Iona Dale; sisters Lois and Merna; brothers Bill and Bob.

Visitation will be held before the service at the Stratton Methodist Church, 325 Kansas Ave, Stratton, CO 80836 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:15-10:15 and the funeral will be held a 10:30.  Interment will be following the service at Clairmont Cemetery,18440 Co Rd 31, Stratton, CO 80836. Luncheon to be served at the Stratton Methodist Church Fellowship succeeding interment.  Officiating minister will be Reverend Emily Hagan of Burlington and Stratton Methodist Church.  Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Audrey Smith to Denver Butterfly Pavilion (https://butterflies.org/)  or the Stratton Methodist Church (Mailing Address. PO Box 265 Stratton, CO 80836) Funeral services are provided by Baucke Funeral Home, 128 South Ash, Yuma, CO 80759 (Phone 970-848-2101, Fax 970-848-2141).

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