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Sarah Ellen Smith, 82, of Albuquerque went home to the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 surrounded by her family. She was born to Leland Alexander and Leslie Faye Wood Smith, on December 14, 1926 in Sam Fordyce, Texas and was raised in Mission, Texas. Sarah married Carl Richard Hein of Pharr, Texas after stealing his favorite jacket and later his heart. Sarah and Carl traveled the U.S. as an Air Force family in a variety of vehicles and gypsy camp trailers always staying with friends and family. Sarah never met a stranger and had family scattered from Mississippi to Washington State. In 1967 the final Air Force duty station brought Sarah and family from Anchorage, Alaska to Albuquerque, NM where Asbury UMC became their church home for over 30 years. Her life's passions involved her family and church. Sarah was a member of United Methodist Women, rang hand bells, sang in choirs, taught Sunday school and baked many pies for the Asbury Cafe. She taught Sunday school for so long that she taught the children of children. Sarah drove the streets of Albuquerque with a vengeance delivering her kids to the four winds. She ran a tight schedule making sports, music and scout runs long before the age of the hurried child. Sarah was the matriarch of the kitchen whether camping or at home. Mealtimes together usually involved applesauce, spirited discussions and at least one spilt glass. The four children fondly remember chicken potpies, bologna, spaghettios and wooden spoons. Carl, her husband of 51 years, precedes her in death, as do her parents and infant brother Wallace David. Sarah is survived by her brother LTC Harlan Dean Smith (USAF ret.) of San Antonio, TX; sister Betty Lee Trotti of Jackson, MS; daughter Cheryl Lynne and husband COL Stanley W. Johnston Jr. (Army ret.) of Corrales, NM; son MAJ David Richard (USAF ret.) and wife Nancy of Roswell, NM; son William Leland and wife Penny of Rio Rancho, NM; and son MAJ Edward Neal (Army ret.) of Rio Rancho, NM. Six grandsons fondly remember Chama train rides, Uncle Cliff's and homemade ice cream. They are CPT Owen Richard Hein (USAF) of Harrah, OK; Levi Robert Hein of Justin, TX; CPL Travis Judge Johnston (U.S. Army) of Hunter Army Airfield, GA; SPC4 Trevor Warren Johnston (NM Army National Guard) of Corrales, NM; Nicholas Vincent Hein and Patrick Maxwell Hein of Rio Rancho, NM. The family wishes to express their tremendous thanks to the staff of Haven Care Dogwood House and Zia Hospice for the extended family love, care, compassion and understanding given their mother in the final years of her life. Sarah lived life full and lived it well and she will be dearly missed.Visitation and viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2009 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho. Memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Vista Verde Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Asbury UMC Choir Fund, 10,000 Candelaria Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. For those who wish to send condolences, you may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 (505) 892-9920
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