Shelly Jo (Newbanks) Smith

Livestream Link: https://evt.live/shelly-jo-smith     

Shelly Jo (Newbanks) Smith, 64, of Eckley, Colorado, passed away at home June 24, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.  She was born on January 13, 1962, in Wray, Colorado, to John Fredrick Newbanks and Connie Ruth (Williams) Newbanks, the first of three daughters.  Shelly grew up seven miles north of Eckley on Newbanks Homestead, where her lifelong love of ranching, horses, and family traditions began.

From an early age, Shelly rode alongside her dad and her Grandad Spencer Newbanks, checking cattle on horseback or bouncing across the pasture in the old manual-shift Chevy pickup with no shocks. She started driving before she could even see over the dashboard. Grandad Spencer had his own way of keeping her in line-if he felt she was driving too fast, he would simply reach over and turn the switch off on the pickup, much to Shelly’s frustration.  That memory became a beloved family story, capturing her determination, independence, and the humor woven through her childhood.

Shelly attended grade school in Eckley, middle school in Yuma, and graduated from Yuma High School in 1980.  She was a proud Yuma Indian Cheerleader, carrying that same cheerleader’s heart throughout her life-always encouraging, always lifting others up.

Her love for horses and competition grew through years of gymkhanas with her parents and sister, Debbie.  She showed 4-H animals at the fair, spent ten years as a member of the Eckley Trailblazers 4-H Club, and was honored to serve as the 1982 Yuma County Fair Queen.

After high school, Shelly attended Panhandle State University in Guymon, Oklahoma, before returning home to work side by side with her dad.  She was truly his right-hand man, sharing countless days of ranch work and memories that became family treasures.

In 1990, Shelly met the love of her life, Wade Smith.  They married on May 23, 1992, a date chosen with family humor as everyone waited for the arrival of niece Pyper Miller.  Shelly and Wade welcomed two children, Chelsea Spencer (1993) and Chantz Russell (1996), both born in Wray, Colorado.  Shelly was their biggest cheerleader, supporter, and guide.

In 2018, Shelly and Wade moved to the Newbanks Homestead after her parents relocated to Yuma.  Shelly poured her creativity into decorating and restoring the home, turning it into a warm and welcoming gathering place.  She had a gift for style-interior decorating, clothing coordination, and finding beauty in antiques and forgotten treasures.  Everything she touched had a place and purpose.

Shelly was the family photographer and videographer, capturing every moment-even if her excitement sometimes meant the camera drifted toward the fence or the floor.  She never missed a school event, rodeo, branding, or family gathering.

Her dedication to her community was unmatched.  She volunteered as a judge for Idalia FBLA, served as a longtime member of the Yuma County Cattlewomen and also served as the President for several years, led the Eckley Trailblazers 4-H Club for 25 years, coordinated the 4-H Fashion Revue, and was a proud member of the International Feedlot Cowboys Association for 13 years.  In 2017, she and her son Chantz earned Reserve World Champion Team Ropers, a moment she cherished deeply.  In 2019, she was inducted into the Colorado Master Homemakers.

Both Chelsea and Chantz attended Northeastern Junior College, competing on the rodeo team, where Shelly quickly became known as “Momma Shelly” to everyone.

One of Shelly’s most cherished days was in October 2019, when Chelsea and Michael were married in Hico, Texas in a beautiful barn setting with family and friends.

In April 2026, Shelly was diagnosed with cancer.  She faced her illness with courage, surrounded by unwavering support from her family and very special long-time friends. From the time she was diagnosed, future daughter-in-law, Kyli (Blach) Smith, stood by her side as her nurse and caregiver.  Chantz and Kyli married on May 15, 2026, ensuring Shelly could share their special day.

Shelly is survived by her loving husband Wade Smith of Eckley; daughter Chelsea Parker, husband Michael Parker(Keeper), and their children Roamy Kay and Mila Kaydee; son Chantz Smith and wife Kyli Smith; mother Connie Newbanks; sisters Kelli Newton (Joe) and Debbie Drury (Derek); nieces and nephews; Pyper Miller (Zach), Reid Drury (Annawynn), Dory Trujillo (TJ), and Monica Veliz (Monty); and grand-nieces and nephews; Raelynn Drury, West Miller, Baker Veliz, Anderson Drury, Elowen Miller, Miles Veliz, Axl Trujillo, and Rush Miller.

She is preceded in death by her father John Newbanks; grandparents Spencer and Izero Newbanks; step-grandmother Opal (Wisdom) Newbanks; and grandparents Lee and Grace Williams.

Shelly lived a life full of love, service, laughter, and heart.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.  She lifted others up, celebrated every success, and showed up for everyone she loved.  Her legacy lives on in her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched.

Celebration of Life – Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Eckley Community Center at 10:00 a.m. with Curtis Taylor and Luke Oestman officiating. Inurnment followed at the Eckley Cemetery.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.