Fern Valdyne Smith

Born 7-30-24—Died 10-19-2016

Fern was born in Denver, CO., the third child born to Henry and Mabel Korber. She grew up at 999 S. Wadsworth (now a vacant lot), and attended Bancroft School, and later graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1942.

During her childhood years, she enjoyed riding her horse and herding the two cows up and down the 2 lane dirt road of Wadsworth, because at that time there was nothing else out there. This was truly country!

One day while walking home from Bear Creek, a young man stopped and asked her if she would like a ride home and she accepted because this was quite a ways to walk from Kipling to Wadsworth. This man later became her husband, Horace Smith (Smitty).

On Sept. 7, 1942, they were married in her parent’s home and shortly after Horace left for training in Hawaii before going overseas during WWII. While Horace was in the Army, Fern worked at Remington Arms, now the Federal Center, making 30 calibur bullets until it closed in 1944.

After the War, Horace and his father-in-law built the house at 915 S. Wadsworth, (now an insurance co.), where Fern and Horace lived until 1982, then moved to the home on So. Saulsbury. In 1946, their first child, Marlene, was born and in 1950, their second child was born, Rodney (Rod).

Fern worked at the old Alameda Jr. High on Harlan St. in the cafeteria, Bancroft Water District as a Secretary, Target Stores as an accountant, and Wards as an accountant. She was very active at West Alameda Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School director and Youth Group. She and Smitty square danced in earlier years and later enjoyed camping and snowmobiling. They also went on cruises and traveled the U.S.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by daughter, Marlene King (Larry), and son, Rod Smith. Also, granddaughters, Christie Kline (Ed) of Loma, CO., Kathleen King (Gene) of Denver, and Brandy of Denver. Great-granddaughters, McKensie Reeves and MacKenzie, brother-in-law, Bill Pugh of New York; numerous nieces and nephews. She had dementia and RA and passed away in her home at the age of 92. She will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eaton Senior Community Foundation. Donation envelopes will be available during the reception or by stopping by Eaton Senior Community located at 333 S. Eaton Street, Lakewood, Colorado.