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Ellen Miriam Smith, mother, wife, artist, gardener, beauty shop owner, avid bowler and longtime Albuquerque resident, whose innate independence led her through, as she liked to say, "three-and-a-half husbands," pack-mule trips in the Rockies and 1940's hitch-hiking adventures throughout the West, died peacefully with her family on April 24, 2009 while in hospice. She was 88. Born in Ganado, Arizona and raised in Farmington, New Mexico, Ms. Smith moved to Albuquerque in 1939 because high school was not stimulating enough. Ever the self-determining woman, Ms. Smith opened a beauty shop on Cutler after attending beauty school in Albuquerque. While her first husband was overseas during World War II, she used her intelligence and courage to fend off an attack by an armed man. Ms. Smith's husband, Richard 'Dick' Smith, a plumbing inspector for the City of Albuquerque, preceded her in death as did her daughter Miriam, brother Samuel Maus and her parents. Survivors include two sons, Rush Dudley and his partner Martha Moore, Walter and Kathy Smith, a grandson Christopher Dudley, a great-grandson Jack, three sisters, Mary Solga, Betty Burrus, Margaret Lesky and one brother, John Maus. The Family would like to thank Hutchison Assisted Living Services and Hospice In-Patient Care Unit at Kaseman Presbyterian for their kindness and knowledge. Cremation has taken place and as per her request, a private family memorial will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 26666, 87125-6666, Hospice In-Patient Care Unit. Please visit our online guestbook for Ms. Smith at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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