Enel Smith Obituary

Former Durango resident Enel Rae Dennison Smith died after a long battle with lung cancer Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, in Aztec. She was 67.

Mrs. Smith was born to Harry and Blanche Phillips Dennison on Sept. 12, 1946, in Durango.

As a young woman, she spent many weekends at the grange halls around Durango, singing with her family band, The Dennisons. She graduated from Durango High School in the mid-1960s.

"She had such a beautiful voice," according to her family.

She went on to marry Allen H. Smith in the mid-1960s in Durango. The couple raised four sons together.

After living for a time in Durango and Monte Vista, the Smiths settled in Aztec in the mid-1970s.

Mrs. Smith loved children, her family said, and for many years she operated Grammie Enel's Daycare in Aztec.

"In the spring and summer months, you could always find Enel working in her yard," according to her family. "She loved being outdoors and having her hands in the dirt."

Her family said she never lost her sense of humor and never gave up during her fight with cancer.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband of more than 40 years, Allen H. Smith, on Sept. 8, 2006.

She is survived by her sons Jason A. Smith and Jared L. Smith, both of Aztec, Michael B. Smith of Flora Vista, N.M., and Justin H. Smith of Los Alamos, N.M.; mother, Shirley Dennison, of Dolores; brothers Phil Dennison of Arizona, James Michael Dennison of Grand Junction and Harry Dennison of Orange, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

An informal memorial gathering will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave.

Online condolences may be sent at www.serenityandcompany.com.