Isabelle D. Smith

Isabelle Denham Smith, 93, passed away on February 23, 2013 at the Hospice and Palliative Care center of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. Cause of death was from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on January 31, 2013.

Isabelle was born November 17, 1919 in Olathe, Colorado to Marvin A. and Mary Garrett Denham. She was the youngest of seven siblings and grew up ranching in the Olathe area. She graduated from Olathe High School in 1937 and married Thomas O. Smith in 1940 in Grand Junction, Colorado.  They made their home in Uravan, Colorado until Tom was called to military service in 1943. After the war, Tom and Isabelle started their career in farming around the Olathe area. They ultimately purchased their family farm in Pea Green in 1953 where they raised their family and successfully farmed for 26 years. Upon their retirement in 1979 they built a home outside of Olathe in the Neal Subdivision and enjoyed golf, traveling in their RV, and spending time with friends and family. Tom preceded Isabelle in death on November 28, 1991. They celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Isabelle lived in Montrose County all of her life and was a member of the Olathe United Methodist Church since the age of four. She enjoyed laughing with her friends during lunch three days a week at the Olathe Community Center, going to her monthly lunch date with her card club girlfriends and spending time with her family. She was an avid Broncos and Rockies fan.

Isabelle was preceded in death by her son, Melvin A. Smith on March 3, 2011. She is survived by her 97 year old sister, Helen Glendening of Montrose, CO; sons, Thomas D. Smith of Olathe, CO and M. Richens Smith of Denver, CO; daughter, Jean Thweatt of Durango, CO; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held at the Olathe United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be at the Olathe Cemetery immediately In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Isabelle Smith’s name to the Olathe Community Center c/o Alice Rivera , PO Box 355,  Olathe, CO  81425.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, CO.