September 29, 1937 – August 12, 2010
Byron Ralph and Leah Crites had 15 children 2 of which did not live. The other 13 are Louise, Geraldine, Marie, Loretta, Maxine (decease), Dorleene (deceased 2010), Richard, Frank, Ronald, Iris, Beverly, Clifford, and Norman (deceased 2009).
Dorleene was born on September 29, 1937 in Burlington, Colorado. She attended school in Burlington, as well.
She married Donald Smith on October 22, 1955 in Sterling, CO. Dorleene had two sons, Audie and Arnold. After the children were born, she began working with her husband, Don, in the family laundry business. In 1974, Dorleene and Don were divorced.
After the divorce, Dorleene worked as a receptionist for a local motel in Sterling, CO. Dorleene met Max in Sterling when he used to lay over there while working for the railroad. They were married on September 2, 1978. Max brought 4 children into the family: Steven, Rick, Jeff, and Kathy.
Max and Dorleene were happily married for almost 25 years in their home in Littleton, Colorado until Max’s death in 2003. The children provided more love and joy to their home by adding spouses, grandchildren, and a great grandchild into the family.
Dorleene’s eldest son, Audie married Sharon and raised two daughters: Shannon and Sara. Shannon married Shannon Brenkendorff and delighted her grandmother with a great granddaughter, named Brooklyn, last year.
Dorleene’s younger son, Arnold married Cindy and raised two sons: Eric and Ryan.
Max’s eldest son, Steven married Sharon and raised three children: Nicole, Derek, and Tiffany.
Max’s middle son, Rick married Linda and raised two children: Aimee and Tyler.
Max’s youngest son, Jeff married Christy and they now reside in California.
Max’s only daughter, Kathy has brought pleasure to her life by helping her mother and her step-mother.
After Max died Dorleene became a strong and independent woman until she lost her battle with Lung Cancer on August 12, 2010. She learned how to drive again although she never ventured far from home. She often traveled with her friends. She also made new friends in the casinos of Black Hawk and Central City. She became an avid walker with the ladies of the neighborhood. She added many of her neighbors and friends to her immediate family and they adopted her as a mother and a grandmother. She loved to garden and shared many of the fruits and veggies she grew with anyone who wanted some.
Dorleene enriched the lives of her family and friends alike. She touched everyone’s heart…..She will be missed.
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