Gladys Marie Smith

Heaven opened the gates for our mom, Gladys Marie Smith, on Saturday, August 13, 2016.
She was born the youngest of 4 on February 6, 1930 to Fidenzio and Rena Antonelli in Durango, CO.
She grew up in Silverton, CO. As a young girl she cheered for the Silverton Miners and that is how she met her husband Sherman Orville Smith. Before Sherman left for college he told her that she better hurry and grow up so he can marry her. After high school, Gladys left for Denver to pursue her cosmetology license at the Bon Ton Beauty School. She later returned to Silverton and married Sherman. Together they started their family, having two girls, as Gladys worked as a beautician and Sherman in the mines. When Standard Metals came in and closed all the mines they moved to the gas fields of NM. While staying at the Lindrith Compressor Station their family became complete with the addition of 2 more children. They spent the rest of their years together in Bloomfield, NM where Gladys became the supervisor for Bloomfield School's Student Nutrition. While living in Bloomfield, Sherman became ill and was no longer able to work. Gladys tirelessly continued to take care of her husband, work on the farm (with supervised direction from Sherman of course), oversee the school kitchens, and chase her grandchildren around with the polenta stick. Gladys's house was always full of family and friends where people were sure to get fed and have a good time.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, her parents, two brothers; Sylvio (Soapie) Antonelli and Phil Antonelli, a sister Lydia Copenhaver, son in-law Mike Jackson, and grandchild Larry Bell. She is survived by her children Pamela Retherford, Cindi (Lloyd) Bell, Mike (Stacie) Smith, and Paula Jackson, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren with one on the way.
A Rosary will be held Thursday, August 18th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 307 N. Church St. in Bloomfield with Deacon Pat Valdez reciting. Mass of Christian burial is Friday, August 19th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 307 N. Church St. in Bloomfield with Father James Walker as celebrant. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cedar Hill. Pallbearers are Faren Retherford, Matthew Bell, Martin Bell, Louie Smith, Zayne Jackson, and Layne Weresback. Honorary pallbearers are all the ladies that worked with her and all the people that were welcomed at her home.

Granny is finally home at peace in Heaven dancing the Jitterbug. Thank You Jesus!!!
Granny's services are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., (505) 325-8688.