Nancy Melinda Smith

Nancy was born on December 22, 1943 in St. Joseph, MO to Arthur William Nebel and Angeline Willard (Ayers) Nebel. She was a graduate of Hickman High School and attended the University of Colorado for one year (pledging Kappa Alpha Theta) before transferring to the University of Missouri, where she graduated with a B.A. in Sociology.

In 1966, Nancy and her husband Jerry moved from Columbia, MO to Boulder, CO where Nancy worked for the Boulder Valley School District for more than 20 years. In 2000, Nancy and Jerry moved to Steamboat Springs where they designed and built a barn and ranch house outside of Yampa, CO. Nestled at the base of the Flat-Top Mountain's they enjoyed retirement and their love of the outdoors while meticulously managing and harvesting certified hay. In addition, Nancy enjoyed reading, yoga, hiking and biking with her husband, puzzles, quilting, gardening, and teaching Tai Chi for NW Colorado's Aging Well program. An avid volunteer, Nancy was a lifelong member of the DAR and P.O.E., served as a volunteer and board member for the Tread of Pioneers Museum, and as a volunteer and board member for Routt County Historic Preservation Board where she was actively involved with an initiative to preserve and restore Crossan’s M & A Market in Routt County, which received the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation in 2020.

On July 16, 2025, Nancy and Jerry celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Gerald Lee “Jerry” Smith; daughters Melinda Kathryn (Smith) Chrestman and Jennifer Lynn Smith; son-in-law Melvin Eugene “Mel” Chrestman, Jr.; granddaughter Melinda Kathryn “Kate” Chrestman; and sister-in-law Betty Sue (Smith) Brown. She will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Historic Routt County, the Alzheimer’s Association, historic preservation efforts in your local community, or by supporting anyone you may know that is living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com.