Carrie Free (Smidt)

Carrie Free

April 10, 1921 ~ March 8, 2014

On April 10, 1921 Carrie Smidt was born in a farm house on the San Miguel River near Nucla Colorado to James T and Mellie Smidt.  Her mom’s friend Daphne Ray was there to help and five weeks later she had a baby girl with Mellies help named Ida Belle.  Carrie and Ida Bell were best friends for life.

Carrie died peacefully at Sunrise Creek Memory Care on March 8, 2014.  Jim and Mellie Smidt had 4 children; all 3 preceded her in death.

She married Clyde Free on 1-1-41.  They had 2 children Shirley (Jim) Bruck of Cimarron, and Jim (Cheryl) Free of Montrose.  Five grandchildren were and fifteen great grandchildren will be helped through college by their grandparents.

They owned two ranches on Spring Creek Mesa, two cabins on the Big Cimarron, and the Getaway cabins with acreage.

Carrie worked with her father clerking farm auctions, and was a receptionist for Dr Barry Greenwood for 30 years.  She was the Colorado Columbine Lady for her work in 4-H leadership and guiding young dancers in square dancing competitions.  Then they started running the Getaway cabins on the big Cimarron until 2006.  Retirement was on the ranch on 6000 Rd and Maple Grove Rd.

As per wishes she was cremated to be with the love of her life Clyde (died 2-21-14)  they were married for 73 years this past New Year’s day.  A Memorial Service is pending for a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.