Ellen Smith

Ellen Jean Smith of Paonia died Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 75.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at Paonia Town Park.

Mrs. Smith was born July 2, 1936, in Gunnison, to Eugene and Eleanor Hansen. She spent her childhood in Bowie and Grand Junction. She graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1954. She attended Mesa College and Western State College where she received her master's degree in special education.

She married Harold Smith on Aug. 18, 1958, in Grand Junction. They have lived in Paonia for 54 years. He survives.

Mrs. Smith enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She was a teacher in Paonia schools for 30 years. She volunteered for many organizations and was a member of Ute Trails Car Club, serving as secretary/treasurer, Western Slope Antique Engine Club and the Garden Club. She helped organize the BMW rally and Colorado Grand car tour. She was a caretaker at Paonia Teen Center.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Smith of Paonia; a son and his wife, Ken and Betsy Smith of Paonia; a daughter and her husband, Danita and Darrell Green of Paonia; a brother, Dr. Dan Hansen of Denver; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a sister, Anita Ritenour.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellen Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Delta County Federal Credit Union.

View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com.

Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.