Obituary of Linda Rae Smith

In honor of Linda's wishes, no public services will be held at this time. On behalf of her family, we invite you to celebrate her life. Linda Rae Smith was born on October 22, 1943 in Glenwood, Iowa to Raymond and Iona (Bramsen) Barnes. She passed away peacefully at Lincoln Community Hospital in Hugo, Colorado on March 31, 2017. Linda attended grade school in Glenwood, Iowa before her family moved to Colorado in 1958. She graduated high school in 1960 in Manitou Springs, Colorado. That same year she married James Borden, to this union came three children: Susan, Jim, and Stacy. The couple divorced in 1965. In 1968, Linda met the love of her life Gerald “Smitty” Smith. To this union came three children: Shawn, Justin, and Jason. Linda loved caring for all six children and was truly an iconic mother. From large family gatherings to daily meals, love always exuded through her home. The Smith home was always surrounded by freshly trimmed bushes and beautiful flowers. Linda’s love for gardening was showcased on her front porch. As grandchildren and great grandchildren came into the world, Linda was right there ready to comfort the crying newborn or play blocks on the floor with a toddler. Her love and compassion for her family and friends will truly be missed. Linda is survived by her loving husband Smitty; sons Jim (Donna) Borden, Shawn (Anita) Smith, Justin (Wendy) Smith and Jason (Gretchen) Smith; daughters Susan McClendon and Stacy (Tony) Vick; siblings Randy Barnes and Jeanette Reynolds; Eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Iona Barnes; and younger brother Ray Barnes.