In Memory Of
Connie Smith
1955
2018
Connie Smith
January 7, 1955 — April 2, 2018
In Loving Memory of Connie Smith
January 7, 1955 – April 2, 2018
A celebration of the life of Connie Smith, age 63, will be celebrated on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Highland Park Community Church, Casper, Wyoming.
Connie was ushered into Heaven in the morning hours of April 2, 2018 after her courageous battle with cancer. She is in the loving arms of her Savior Jesus, reunited with loved ones who arrived ahead of her, and is sadly missed by those who love her and grieve her absence here on earth.
Connie was born on January 7, 1955 to Edward M. & Odella (Gabel) Gardner in Casper, Wyoming. She joined older brothers John & Butch. She attended St. Anthony Catholic School, Southridge Elementary, and CY Junior High School where she first laid eyes on her future husband. She graduated from Natrona County High School in 1973 with her high school sweetheart Charles D. Smith Jr., or more fondly known to her as "Charlie."
Charlie and Connie were married on August 3, 1974 and she was his devoted wife for 43 years. To this marriage were born two daughters Heather Mae and Tiffany Kay. As a family and as members of the Casper Air Modelers Association, they devoted much time traveling to flying competitions. Connie was such a supporter of Charlie's hobby and they met lifelong friends in this endeavor. Connie and Charlie enjoyed country dancing as members of the KQLT Dancers in the mid 1990's. Connie's love for New York City could never go unnoticed. She had fond childhood memories of spending time in NYC with her Uncle Kenny & Aunt Elaine (Lombardo) Gardner watching him perform with the famed Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians Band. That inspired a lifelong love of NYC, Long Island and Jones Beach. Connie enjoyed several visits there throughout her lifetime. The Gabel Family Reunions provided another anticipated family event every other year in Kansas.
Once Heather and Tiffany were older, Connie and Charlie cultivated other mutual interests specifically motorcycling and taking bike trips with friends to various fun places, including the annual Sturgis Rally. Connie and Charlie served as small group leaders at Highland Park Community Church and their church family was important to them. Then within the last few years, they took up boating and camping and this hobby provided great times and memories at Alcova with the girls, their husbands, the grandchildren, and friends. Connie was a proud member of Natrona County Republican Women.
Not only was Connie a devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother, her most cherished role in this life was that of Grandmother. She boasted of her 11 grandchildren and had plenty of pictures and narrated videos to share. From the oldest to the youngest she was the proudest Grandma of Blake, Trevon, McKena, D'Anthony, Levi, Katelyn, Emya, Zakira, E.J., Jayce, and Maeci. She was their biggest fan and her support, encouragement and excitement could be heard from the stands. She attended many of their events from the youngest T-ball games, dance recitals, and flag football to varsity football and wrestling at NCHS. She had the privilege of attending the 2018 State Wrestling Tournament at the Casper Events Center and celebrating with her family when Trevon won State in his weight class.
In High School and following graduation, Connie worked at Lee's Glass, then she was employed by Casper Police Records Department, and KCWY-TV station. She was a dedicated, loyal employee at the Natrona County Assessor's Office for 27 years before being appointed to fill the vacated term of Assessor. Connie was then elected Natrona County Assessor and served in this role for 4 years until she retired on March 31, 2018.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward M. Gardner on February 25, 1998 and Odella Irene Gardner on August 9, 2017, as well as her in-laws Charles D. Smith, Sr. on February 22, 2013, Edith E. Smith on July 8, 2017, and Randy Smith on July 1, 2008 and other relatives.
She is survived by her husband Charles D. Smith, Jr. "Charlie," daughters Heather Smith-Spears (Edmond), Tiffany Kellick (Bryan), her 11 grandchildren, brothers John (Judy) Gardner, Butch (Vivian) Gardner, sisters-in-law Kim (Alan) Jones, Autumn (Wade) Kiernan, and nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.
Memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice.
To leave a special message for her family, please click on "Share Memories".
January 7, 1955 – April 2, 2018
A celebration of the life of Connie Smith, age 63, will be celebrated on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Highland Park Community Church, Casper, Wyoming.
Connie was ushered into Heaven in the morning hours of April 2, 2018 after her courageous battle with cancer. She is in the loving arms of her Savior Jesus, reunited with loved ones who arrived ahead of her, and is sadly missed by those who love her and grieve her absence here on earth.
Connie was born on January 7, 1955 to Edward M. & Odella (Gabel) Gardner in Casper, Wyoming. She joined older brothers John & Butch. She attended St. Anthony Catholic School, Southridge Elementary, and CY Junior High School where she first laid eyes on her future husband. She graduated from Natrona County High School in 1973 with her high school sweetheart Charles D. Smith Jr., or more fondly known to her as "Charlie."
Charlie and Connie were married on August 3, 1974 and she was his devoted wife for 43 years. To this marriage were born two daughters Heather Mae and Tiffany Kay. As a family and as members of the Casper Air Modelers Association, they devoted much time traveling to flying competitions. Connie was such a supporter of Charlie's hobby and they met lifelong friends in this endeavor. Connie and Charlie enjoyed country dancing as members of the KQLT Dancers in the mid 1990's. Connie's love for New York City could never go unnoticed. She had fond childhood memories of spending time in NYC with her Uncle Kenny & Aunt Elaine (Lombardo) Gardner watching him perform with the famed Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians Band. That inspired a lifelong love of NYC, Long Island and Jones Beach. Connie enjoyed several visits there throughout her lifetime. The Gabel Family Reunions provided another anticipated family event every other year in Kansas.
Once Heather and Tiffany were older, Connie and Charlie cultivated other mutual interests specifically motorcycling and taking bike trips with friends to various fun places, including the annual Sturgis Rally. Connie and Charlie served as small group leaders at Highland Park Community Church and their church family was important to them. Then within the last few years, they took up boating and camping and this hobby provided great times and memories at Alcova with the girls, their husbands, the grandchildren, and friends. Connie was a proud member of Natrona County Republican Women.
Not only was Connie a devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother, her most cherished role in this life was that of Grandmother. She boasted of her 11 grandchildren and had plenty of pictures and narrated videos to share. From the oldest to the youngest she was the proudest Grandma of Blake, Trevon, McKena, D'Anthony, Levi, Katelyn, Emya, Zakira, E.J., Jayce, and Maeci. She was their biggest fan and her support, encouragement and excitement could be heard from the stands. She attended many of their events from the youngest T-ball games, dance recitals, and flag football to varsity football and wrestling at NCHS. She had the privilege of attending the 2018 State Wrestling Tournament at the Casper Events Center and celebrating with her family when Trevon won State in his weight class.
In High School and following graduation, Connie worked at Lee's Glass, then she was employed by Casper Police Records Department, and KCWY-TV station. She was a dedicated, loyal employee at the Natrona County Assessor's Office for 27 years before being appointed to fill the vacated term of Assessor. Connie was then elected Natrona County Assessor and served in this role for 4 years until she retired on March 31, 2018.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward M. Gardner on February 25, 1998 and Odella Irene Gardner on August 9, 2017, as well as her in-laws Charles D. Smith, Sr. on February 22, 2013, Edith E. Smith on July 8, 2017, and Randy Smith on July 1, 2008 and other relatives.
She is survived by her husband Charles D. Smith, Jr. "Charlie," daughters Heather Smith-Spears (Edmond), Tiffany Kellick (Bryan), her 11 grandchildren, brothers John (Judy) Gardner, Butch (Vivian) Gardner, sisters-in-law Kim (Alan) Jones, Autumn (Wade) Kiernan, and nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.
Memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice.
To leave a special message for her family, please click on "Share Memories".
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Connie Smith, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)
Highland Park Community Church
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