Bethena Lee Smith

Bethena Lee (Beth) Smith, 76, passed away on November 12, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona with her children by her side.  Beth led a very happy, active life for most of her years on earth, only slowing down a bit in the last 3-4 years as she struggled with COPD.

She was born July 21, 1945 in Alamosa, Colorado to Albert and Bertha Smith. Beth spent her early childhood years in the Alamosa area, before moving to Mesa with her family, and finally graduating high school in Alamosa.  She married Jerry Smith of Blanca in 1964, where she raised her two children, while being a homemaker and helping to work the family farm.  Following the dissolution of their marriage, Beth founded “Weekends” Tavern, which is still in operation today.  Running “Weekends” and helping to raise her adored grandchildren was her life’s passion for several years.  She eventually sold “Weekends” and retired in Payson, Arizona.  Beth loved the outdoors, fishing and socializing with friends, but what brought her the most joy in life were her children and grandchildren.  She was always excited to tell anyone who would listen, about their lives and accomplishments.  Beth was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, and she seldom ever missed a game on television and was always thrilled to cook up a big pot of “Nanny’s” green chile and watch her Broncos with family and friends.  She also became a fan of the “World of Outlaws” sprint car racing series and loved to travel to races with her sisters and their husbands.

Beth was preceded in death by her father Albert Smith, her mother Bertha Smith (Reed), and her sister Bevelie (Otis) McFadden.  She is survived by her sister Bonnie (Norman) Kirk, her son Monty (Christy) Smith of Blanca, her daughter Ginger Smith of Mesa, grandson Jake Smith of Alamosa, granddaughters Jordan Smith of Chandler, AZ, Skylar Smith of Salt Lake City, UT, and Hannah Smith of Glendale, AZ, grandsons Luke and Trey Jones of Blanca, and new baby great granddaughter Tatum Leona of Alamosa.

For friends and family in Arizona, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on November 27^, 2021 at Bunker Family Funerals, 3529 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.

There will also be a memorial service in Alamosa at Rogers Family Mortuary at 205 State Ave in Alamosa at 10 am on December 4.  The service will be followed by a short graveside service and internment at the Alamosa Cemetery.  Friends are invited to join the family at “Weekends” Tavern following the graveside service for a light dinner, drinks, and fellowship in Beth’s honor.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.