L. Darlene Smith

Lois Darlene Smith came into the world on the 25th of October, 1933. She was born to Arthur Albert Nicholas Schott and Anna Isabel Raridon in Denver, Colorado. Darlene was the third generation to be Colorado born. She was an only child.

Darlene grew up in Denver, where she attended Skinner Elementary and North Denver High School. She excelled in sports, including volleyball, and had a love for art and literature- which she carried through the rest of her life as a voracious reader and an award-winning artist.

While in high school, she met the love of her life – Kenneth Eugene Smith. After multiple years of courting, while Kenny was overseas during the Korean war serving in the Navy, they were married on the 16th of September, 1952.

Darlene and Ken went on to have three children- two boys and a girl:

Steven Scott Smith, born November 23, 1954 – married to Sreymom Sky Smith.

Kevin Dale Smith, born May 17, 1959 – married to Leslie Hughes-Smith.

Kristi Kaye Smith, born September 1, 1963 – married to Timothy O’Keefe.

They resided together as a family in Denver. Darlene and Ken provided a warm and happy home full of laughter and love. Darlene enjoyed gardening, bowling, breeding and showing Collies, and thrived in her artistic endeavors including rosemaling – practicing as well as teaching the artform. Additionally, she was an avid Broncos fan. She was funny, kind, and fierce, setting an incredible example for her family.

Darlene was an amazing grandmother to her six grandchildren:

Jeremy Hulls-McGovern – married to Fred Hulls-McGovern

Matthew Smith – married to Jenny Smith

Ashley Smith – married to Lucas Magnani

CJ Smith

Corey O’Keefe

Nate O’Keefe

She was lucky enough to spend time with her 5 great-grandchildren:

Parker Smith

Paisley Smith

Preston Smith

Lillian Magnani

Julien James Magnani

Darlene lived life with passion and gusto – thriving in everything she did. She loved deeply, had a great sense of humor, and made a friend wherever she went. She was a beacon of strength and love for all her knew her.

Darlene was loved dearly and will be missed by all.

A funeral service for Darlene will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, followed by a committal service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Darlene's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, See Link Below.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Smith family.