Lola Lee Smith

Lola Lee Smith passed away peacefully on December 22, 2013. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald J. Smith; her father Leonard Floyd Lucas; her mother, Mattie Lee (Nunnally) Lucas; her brothers Al Lucas, Ray Lucas; and her sister, Martha Lucas, all of Albuquerque. She is survived by two brothers, Bill Lucas and wife, Darlene, of Burbank, CA and Charles Lucas and wife, Linda, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister in law Theresa Lucas of Albuquerque; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lola loved life, had a joyful outlook and put her family above all else. Her unselfishness and strong work ethic greatly inspired her family and friends. She was an avid reader, loved history and biographies and loved to cook. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, and in later years when she was unable to attend church, would listen to the radio to her favorite ministers who inspired her. She worked tirelessly in the Albuquerque Public School system and took pride in efficiently and responsibly organizing and staffing elections and the handling of finances as an assistant to the superintendent. "Auntie Lola," as we affectionately called her, was a witty, fun-loving, generous person who was always ready and eager to host many large family dinners. We used every excuse to celebrate any occasion to get together. She taught many of us to cook and we fondly remember the annual green chili roasting and homemade hamburger parties which usually lingered until late at night. Lola loved children. Although she was unable to have children of her own, she "adopted" many children over the years and took an active interest in their lives. Who could forget the closet filled with toys that she would pull out for any child to play with as well as her warm, freshly baked cookies! Lola's home was full of laughter and fun. She always made strangers and friends feel welcome. She loved to tell stories, most which had everyone laughing or teaching us a small life lesson. She had a fun nature that endeared herself to everyone she met. Lola was always very proud of her family and believed family should take care of each other, as was exemplified by her dedication in caring for her ailing husband, mother and sister throughout the years. She gave up her life to put family first. Lola passed on the value of family and its reputation through her words and actions. She had a gentle spirit and a great love for God. She recognized the importance of forgiveness, selflessness and gratitude and lived it every day of her life, even in the most difficult of times. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Casa Palo Duro for their gentle care and support for the past four years. They too, became an extended part of our family. A visitation will be held at the Chester T. French Memorial Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 9:30 a.m., followed by Funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to El Ranchito de los Ninos, P.O. Box 2400 Los Lunas, NM 87031 505.565.4470 , in keeping with her love for children.