Leeta Smith

Biography Leeta Bertha Smith, a young 93, went to meet her Savior on January 1, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. Leeta was born in Lamesa, TX, July 5, 1916. With two older and two younger brothers, she had to be tough ~ and she was! She was a tom boy growing up doing most of the things that the boys did. When she was ten years old, her little sister was born. She helped care for her baby sister when she fell ill; sometimes staying up all night to rub her sisters legs to keep them from cramping. Bernice couldnt have asked for a better older sister! Leeta married Walter Smith in 1934 and they were together for many years. Together they had 5 children in 6 years, and then waited for 6 years to have their youngest son, Danny. With Walter working for the railroad, the family lived up and down the railroad throughout Western New Mexico and Southeast Arizona. Leeta had big gardens and had to leave many behind when the job transferred to another location. Leeta also loved to collect angels, and now has truly joined her favorite collection. In 1958 the family moved to the Duncan, AZ area. The family first resided in Duncan for several years, and then moved to Franklin. Leeta then moved to Safford, AZ in 2002. Leeta worked many jobs in the Duncan area, including working for the Duncan Schools as a janitor for many years until she retired. Leeta also worked at the Duncan fairgrounds and helped with getting things ready for the fair when she was up into her 80s! Leeta touched everyones life that had the privilege of knowing her. She was warm, friendly, funny, and loved her family and friends unconditionally. There wasnt anyone that knew her that didnt love her! Her secret to living for 93 years was the word go. Just say the word and she would have her cane and purse in tow! It didnt matter what kind of adventure it was, she was always ready! Leeta was taking a walk in the sunshine the day before she passed. We couldnt ask for a better Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, or Friend. We will miss her so much and are so thankful she was a part of our lives. Leeta is preceded in death by her parents Steven and Elizabeth Clark, her brothers Roy, Bill, Oscar, and W.F. Clark, her daughter Novia Cook, granddaughter Leslie Smith, grandson Steven Smith, and great grandson Kevin King. Leeta is survived by her sister, Bernice Bowman (Jack) of Lafayette, LA, her children Martha Plaistow (Phil) of Alamogordo, NM, Frank Smith (Kay) of Mesa, AZ, Marion Sanders (Gayle) of Clifton, AZ, Jack Smith (Kathleen) of Tucson, AZ, Dan Smith (Joyce) of Mesa, AZ, 31 Grandchildren, 62 Great Grandchildren, and many, many Great-great Grandchildren.