Mary Eileen Smith, 82, began her walk with the Lord on Monday, 26, 2025 with her husband by her side. A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 5 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Michelle Witherspoon officiating with luncheon to follow the service.

Mary was born November 18, 1942, in Genoa, Nebraska to Marvin H. and Mary J. (Loftus) McAfee. Mary grew up in Fullerton, Nebraska and graduated from Fullerton High School. She attended Nebraska Wesleyan and Kearney State College (later becoming University of Nebraska at Kearney) pledging at her sorority, Chi Omega. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in education. She then attended CSU and received her master's degree in education.

Mary took a position at Fullerton High School where she taught English. She then moved to York, Nebraska, where she met Darrell in 1968 while teaching. They later moved to Sterling, Colorado where they both secured positions within the RE-1 Valley School District. After the birth of their eldest, Christopher, Mary stayed home for 11 years to raise her children before returning to teaching. While at Sterling High School, she taught Mythology, Dramatic Comedy and Tragedy, and English Literature. She also participated in the TOSA program for RE-1 Valley District.

Mary and Darrell built a home in lower highland, where they resided for 43 years. They had recently moved closer to town. She finished her educational career as Assistant Principal for Sterling High School. Mary was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Sweet Adelines, Friends of the Library, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Mary enjoyed spending an exorbitant amount of time with her grandchildren. She also had an active membership with the Denver Center of Performing Arts, where she would attend many productions. She also enjoyed traveling, visiting Greece, China, Alaska, and the Soviet Union. Mary cherished her friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Mary.

Mary is survived by her husband Darrell Smith of Sterling, her children Christopher Smith of Aurora, CO and Melissa Smith of Brighton, CO, sister Carol (McAfee) Kacer of Fullerton, NE, and her two grandchildren Afton Smith of Thornton, CO and Skout Bredemeier of Brighton, CO.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund.