Aiko Smith

She was born November 15, 1933 in Oyu, Akita prefecture, Japan to her parents Kihachi and Toshi Yanaizawa.

Aiko lived a life devoted to her family. She was married to Floyd G. Smith for 57 years until his death in 2009.

Aiko came to the US in 1954. She made her home in Denton with her husband and baby daughter, Diane. She became a US citizen in 1957. In 1956 the Smith family moved to Euless. Floyd coached and Aiko supported him by sewing warm ups, keeping score for 33 years.

Through the years Aiko made lasting friendships. She was active in her Buddhist organization SGI for 60 years.

Aiko would talk to many school age children throughout the years. Telling of Japanese culture, food and Japanese songs. Many of her nieces and nephews learned the art of origami.

Despite only having one child, Floyd and Aiko managed to have many children look to them as mentors and confidants.

Aiko was the matriarch and the glue that held the family together. She will be missed and we will never stop loving her or the life she shared.

She leaves behind daughter, Diane Salazar. The son she always wanted, Carlos Salazar Jr.

Two grandchildren, Tara and Glenn Zahn

Two great grandsons, Jayden and Preston Zahn

She also leaves behind two sisters, Miyano Kimura, Kazuko Takahashi and many nieces and nephews.

One sister-in-law, Janis Smith Henry.

Aiko had many people she considered as her blood family:

Michael Hail, Nylyih Green, Tyler Glenn, JT Babin, Bryan Stephans, Marlon Brown.

We would also like to thank Angie, Princess, Shay and Linda for your help, love and friendship during these last months.

Services for Aiko will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park 5725 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12th, 5-8 p.m. The funeral will be on Friday, March 13th, at 1:30 PM and will be followed by the burial. The family invites you to a reception following the burial.