Nita Louise Jenkins

Nita Louise Jenkins of Longmont passed peacefully on May 26, 2017 at her home. She was 57. Nita was born August 8, 1959 in San Diego, CA the daughter of Verna L. Jenkins and Wesley J. Jenkins. At the age of 3 she attended private school in San Diego. Her parents later divorced. Nita and her mother moved to Longmont where she attended Central Elementary and Longmont High School, graduating in 1977. She attended Fort Lewis Jr. College in Durango, CO, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and obtained a degree in chemistry with minors in both engineering and mathematics. Also in 1982, she became a student at Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO in the Master of Science degree programs, chemical and petroleum refining engineering with a GPA of 3.02.

August 1981 to January 1983 she was a programming consultant and was aiding students in using the DEC-10 and DEC-20 systems. Nita was a teaching assistant in Basic Engineering Dept. instructing students in the creation of Fortran programs on CDC-720 system.

Nita married Roger Smith March 11, 1984 at the Longmont Church. They had one son Leon J. Smith and resided in Wheat Ridge, CO. They later divorced.

Nita began her working career with USGS mapping division, Denver, CO. On July 27, 1988, she began a carrier with Lockheed Martin which she loved and was a very dedicated employee in performing any task she was assigned. She worked for them for 19 years.

Nita loved to donate herself to helping others in any capacity, from her family and friends, with food and transportation. She donated funds to American Charities, Adopt a Child Foundation, Special Olympics, Police Force, and the building fund at her church. She volunteered at Lockheed sponsored events, OUR Center in Longmont, serving lunch and working at the Food Bank. She was a caring and compassionate daughter, mother, grandmother and true friend. She had always put her family first.

She was preceded in death by her father Wesley Jenkins, grandparents Hubert L. Brydon, Stella Brydon, Uncle Herbert F. Brydon, stepfather Bill Sowa and husband Roger Smith.

Nita is survived by her mother Verna L. Sowa, son Leon J. Smith and girlfriend Coleen House, Grandson Francis H. Smith, sisters-in-law Tammy Krug, Nadene Jenkins and Twila Cruz; brother-in-law Gary Smith and a host of extended family.

Nita loved to travel, read all kinds of novels, spend time with her family, especially her grandson Frank and getting together with friends. She was a pro-marksman with the National Rifle Association. Nita will not be forgotten and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Cremation has been held.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Longmont. A reception will follow the service.