Walburga Smith (Rockel)

Walburga Smith

January 11, 1932 ~ June 10, 2014

Walburga Smith, 78, of Montrose, CO died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Tuesday, June 10, 2014.  Walburga was born to Heinrich and Eva Rockel on January 11, 1932 in Darmstadt Germany. Walburga had 3 siblings, Manfred (Gisela), Volker (Marianna), and Ute (Holger) who are all residing in Germany. Walburga was married to Johannes Hechler in Germany in 1955. Johannes was killed in a vehicular accident in 1958.  Together, Walburga and Johannes had a son, Rolf Hechler, who immigrated to the United States with Walburga in 1964.

  Walburga married the love of her life Ross G. Smith on June 22, 1971. Ross and Walburga united their two families and their marriage served as a shining example to their five children. Walburga worked for Delta Cleaners, City Market, and Russell Stover Candy Factory for many years.

Walburga was a talented knitter.  She was known for making sweaters, blankets, and almost everything imaginable for her family and friends.  She was also an avid gardener who along with her husband, Ross, had beautiful yards wherever they lived.

After she and her husband Ross of 43 years retired, they moved to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.  In 2005 they returned to Colorado where they built their current home in Montrose.  Her husband Ross preceded her in death only two weeks earlier.  Walburga loved spending time with her family and had a great attitude about life.  She always lived her life to it’s fullest up to her final days.

Walburga is survived by her children – Rolf (Kelli) Hechler of T or C NM., Dale (Sherilyn) Smith of Durango, CO, Linda Chapin of Montrose, CO, Terry (Stacia) Smith of Montrose, CO, Diane (Dennis) Sitton of Hotchkiss, CO.  Walburga is also survived by 13 grandchildren – OJ, Erik, Rhonda, Jim, Desiree, Sheena, Jeff, Michael, Kevin, Robert, Dennis, Elisha, and Christina,. She also has 24 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces both in the United States and Germany.

Walburga requested there be no funeral service. Her family is planning a private gathering in the future in her remembrance.  Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.