Carol Smith

December 26, 1927      -       July 14, 2017

Carol Louise (Danielson) Smith was born to William and Alberta Danielson in Denver, Colorado.

Carol was the shining light.  Her legacy as a warm and loving wife to Walt as well as an amazing Mother to four daughters will never be forgotten.   She grew up in Denver and graduated from East High School.  She then headed to Stephens College in Missouri.   After two years at Stephens, she returned to Colorado to finish college at University of Colorado.  A happenstance blind date is really what brought her back to CU.  She met Walt before leaving for Stephens and they had kept the long-distance romance going for those two years.  Mom fell in love with Walt and his music!   She loved jazz and the colorful life that Walt’s music and artistic friends added to her beautiful life.   She completed one more year at University of Colorado and Walt and Carol married one year later on September 20, 1949.  They enjoyed summers in Grand Lake before moving to Aspen in 1954.  That is where they raised their daughters until moving to Basalt in 1966.  They moved to Grand Junction in 1978.

She was an inspiration to Walt and the kids as she taught them kindness and love.  She was a gracious, caring and compassionate mother and wife.  The kindness in her heart emanated to all.   She adored her five Grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  She had a hidden hobby in her spare time as a painter.  She was an amazing artist and crafts maker.

The family had many adventures in her lifetime.  They skied, sailed, camped and hiked, traveled overseas as well as many fun family vacations in Mexico, Costa Rica and Florida.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Walt of more than 67 years, daughters, Kris Smith of Grand Junction, Leslie Newbury of Basalt, Diana Rexach of Grand Junction and Lisa (Ken) Follett of Grand Junction and five Grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by grandson Erik Newbury, sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Al Lodge and her sweet parents.

Memorial donations may be made to Hope West Hospice Care, 3090 N. 12th Street #B, Grand Junction, 81506.

A celebration of love, life and memories will be held on July 30, 2017 at Two Rivers Winery and Chateau, 2087 Broadway at 2:00 p.m., Grand Junction.

Carol’s love and laughter will continue on in our hearts.