Mary Louise Smith

Mary Louise Smith was called home to be with the Lord, February 20th 2024. Born to Lewis Samuel and Ida Stancil Troutman in Cabarrus North Carolina, she was number 8 of 9 children. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Marcus Hilton Smith, both parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters. She is survived by her brother William Troutman of NC, her daughters, Teresa Hearne, (Duane) of AR; Sharon Owsley, (Wayne) of TX; Joni Nyhlen, (Peter) of UT; grandchildren, Ryan Hearne, (Christine) of AR; Christine Rollins, (Jason) of AR; Lisa Owsley of TX; Corrie Brown, (JW) of OK; Patrick Owsley of TX; 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also, all the family, nieces, nephews and cousins in North Carolina, South Carolina and California.

Being raised on a dairy farm, there was no time off. They were milking cows before and after school, working out in the fields, driving combines, tractors and taking care of what needed to be done.

When mom and dad got married, the first duty station was Jacksonville Florida. Dad was aboard ship for most of that time. Learning to be a Navy Wife with 2 young girls was tough all by yourself. Second duty station was Hawaii, which was amazing! If you haven't been, you need to go there. Just watch out for the ants and bugs, because some are big enough to carry you off! Touring the island, eating pineapple, learning the hula and eating poi. We added another girl born in Honolulu. All new experiences for a farm girl from North Carolina.

Third station was Hawthorn California. Mild weather and the beach was close, by way of a bus ride. She was always sewing outfits for us girls and working in the yard. Hibiscus and poppy were abundant in the yard.

Forth station was the Philippine Islands. Mom took up oil painting as a hobby to keep herself busy, as well as ceramics and making gold leaf resin grapes and candle sticks. We had a house girl to do the cooking, cleaning and babysitting, so she had plenty of time on her hands. She even took a cruise with the Wives Club.

Fifth Station. Dad handed us a piece of paper and said, 'Learn how to spell it. It's our next duty station.' It was ALBUQUERQUE, NM! Mom fell in love as soon as we were here. The amazing views, mountains and dessert, colors of the sunset, beautiful! It was the first place we lived where we got to see our first SNOW! She woke us all up to tell us it was snowing outside!

After living near water and being able to fish at any time, we now had to drive for hours just to get a pole in the water. She loved gardening, traveling, camping and fishing trips. They bought their house in 1974 and finally had a place to call their own. They planted fruit trees and she started her garden. Canning, freezing, drying fruits and making jam made her happy, but giving away fruit to neighbors and friends was also a joy for them. Oh, and then we were introduced to green chili, and finding ways to use it with every meal. October was a special time, Balloon Fiesta to celebrate both of their birthday's. They got to go up for a ride, be one of the chase crews and have the balloon pilots over for dinner. She was happy to have family visit, even if they were passing thru.

She planted an apricot tree on their 25th anniversary. That tree is now 45 years old and still producing. It was the little things that meant so much to her. Her face would light up when the phone rang and it was family or friends calling to chat.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Alameda Baptist Church 8818 2nd Street NW 87114. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alameda Baptist Church at Alameda Baptist Church - GIVE 

Gone but never forgotten, God bless you mom. We are glad you are reunited with dad and we will all be together one day. We love you!!