Lela Faye Smith

1931 - 2017

Lela Faye Smith obituary, 1931-2017, Evant, TX

BORN

1931

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Riley Funeral Home

402 West Main

Hamilton, Texas

Lela Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 12, 2017.

Lela Faye Townsend Smith, 86, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017 in Hamilton.

Service will be Friday, September 15, 2017, 2 PM at Riley Funeral Home Chapel followed by a burial at Murphree Cemetery in Evant.

Faye was born February 26, 1931 in Evant, the youngest of five children of Joe G. and Lillie Hunziker Townsend. Her Townsends were among the early pioneers of Hamilton County, as they arrived at their ranch west of Evant in the 1870s. Her mother's family were early settlers of Burnet County.

Faye was baptized at the Fairview Baptist Church in Evant when she was 12 and graduated from Evant High School in 1949. She worked at Montgomery Ward in Fort Worth for a time after graduating high school. On January 18, 1953, she married William Oliver Smith of Evant. The couple farmed and ranched on the Smith place just west of Evant and two sons were born to the marriage.

Faye was well-known for her arts, crafts, and cooking skills. Her coconut cream pies and fried chicken, along with her Christmas fudge and divinity were family favorites. She also enjoyed quilting and spoiling her grandson.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Myrtle Zeptner; and brother, Cecil Townsend.

Survivors include her sons, Kenneth C. Smith of Evant, Ronnie J. Smith and wife, Stephanie of Arlington; grandson, Charles W. Smith of Arlington; sisters, Annie Mae Reimche of Oklahoma City and Bertie Millsap of Waco; several nieces and nephews; and cousin, Roy D. Townsend of Gatesville.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hamilton Health Care Center, the staff of Solaris Hospice, and Dr. Charles Johnson for the kind care that our mother received during the past year.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Lela Smith

Sponsored by Riley Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of Lela?

Share a favorite memory you have of Lela.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Lela.

Describe a time when Lela made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Lela?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Lela.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Lela.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Lela.

What is something you learned from Lela?

Not sure what to say?

3 Entries

September 13, 2017

Family

Kelly Cumby - Jackson

I have fond memories of Great Aunt Faye. From precious baby blankets she made for myself and in later years my children to visiting with her at the ranch in Evant. Kenny and Ronnie please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 13, 2017

She was well loved and always brought a smile to my face with her spunky attitude and awesome laugh. I will remember her with a smile.

September 12, 2017

Roy & Ethel Mae Townsend

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Kenny and Ronnie during this sad time in your lives. We loved your Mother very much and love you two also...God Bless You in your time of grief

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Lela Smith's name

Memorial Events
for Lela Smith

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Riley Funeral Home

402 West Main, Hamilton, TX 76531

How to support Lela's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lela Smith's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more