Velmar “Vail” Dean Smith-Reno, who resided in Cimarron, New Mexico, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026 in Pueblo, Colorado. She was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on October 15th, 1939 to the late Leroy Smith and Susie Mae Hartfield.
Vail was also preceded in death by her daughter, Pansy “Pam” Mitchell; one granddaughter, Korena “Kory” Bakewell; four brothers, Henry Smith, Grady Smith, Willard Smith, Wiley Smith; three sisters, Drew Smith-Hayes, Vernia Smith and Mary Ann Smith.
Vail worked in retail sales. Throughout retirement, she enjoyed spending time in the garden, crocheting blankets and clothing for her family, as well as organizing family ancestry.
Vail is survived by one sister, Bonnie Gene Smith-Laurino of Las Vegas, Nevada; her daughter, Vicki Mantzke and husband Craig Mantzke of New Mexico; her son, Charlie “Chuck” Ward and wife Debra “Debbie” Ward of Arkansas; 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8
