Obituary of Phyllis Marlene Smith

Phyllis Marlene Smith passed away on Easter, April 9, 2023, after a courageous 7-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Her husband John and daughters Rachael and Jessica were beside.

Phyllis was born January 24, 1949 in Billings, MT to Harold and Helen Vale. She attended schools in Billings and Glendive MT. Her family moved to Lakewood, CO where she graduated from Alameda HS in 1967.

Phyllis attend UNC in Greeley majoring in music where she excelled. She was an accomplished violinist. She met her future husband John Smith in 1969. John played the guitar. They began performing together and were married in 1971.

John and Phyllis had two daughters, Rachael and Jessica. When the girls were both in school Phyllis return to UNC to study education. She graduated and immediately began a career she would love for the next 32 years—teaching 5^th grade at Namaqua Elementry in Loveland, CO.  It was her true calling. Phyllis loved her students and fellow teachers. She stayed in touch with many after her retirement. “The Wildcats,” a group of former teachers met monthly supporting and loving her right to her last week.  And, she loved it whenever she saw one of her “Former Fabulous Fifth Graders.”

Phyllis co-founded Crossroads Church with her husband John in 1996. She served in every area of church in the early years. And, of course, Phyllis was a key musician providing inspiring music that the church would become known for.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude and appreciation to: the doctors, nurses, CNAs and staff at the Medical Center of the Rockies, Oncology & Hematology, Pharmacy, and Chaplains; The Rocky Mtn Cancer Center in Denver, and Pathways Hospice of Fort Collins. And, a special thank you to the many family and friends who provided tremendous amounts of hope, love, encouragement, support and prayers over these years.  We love you all!

Phyllis is survived by her loving family: husband John; daughters Rachael (Bill Hay), Jessica (Mike Perez); seven grandchildren: Nathan, Sam, Drew and Ben Hay, and Jackson, Sophia and Micah Perez; brothers Jack Vale (Mary), Paul Vale (Louise) and David Vale (Vernelle); sisters Connie Rapp (John), Theresa Jacob (Stephen) and Lorna Ingenthron (Bill).

Link below is for the Live Stream of the service at Crossroads Church:

crossroadscolorado.com/memorial