Austin Lynn Smith

Austin Lynn Smith was born on August 24, 1978, to Randy and Holly Christensen in Boulder, Colorado. As the daughter of a lineman, Austin spent her childhood living throughout the state, but her heart always remained rooted in the mountains and wide-open spaces of Colorado. Much of her youth was spent between Coal Creek Canyon and the San Luis Valley, where her grandparents and extended family lived. It was on her grandparents’ ranch, riding horses, chasing cows, and soaking in ranch life, that Austin’s lifelong cowgirl spirit was forged.

Austin graduated from Nederland High School in 1997 and soon moved back to the San Luis Valley to manage her parents’ western wear store. It was there she met the love of her life, Jonathan Smith. Austin and Jon married on March 14, 1998, beginning a partnership grounded in love, adventure, and dedication to one another.

After their wedding, the couple moved to Grand Junction while Jon attended lineman school. Following his graduation, they relocated to Lake City, Colorado, where Jon began his career. In 2005, he accepted a position with San Miguel Power, prompting a move to Norwood just weeks before the birth of their daughter, Haylee.

From the moment she entered the world, Haylee became Austin and Jon’s greatest joy, their pride, their light, and their most cherished accomplishment. Together, the family shared a passion for the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, UTVing, and helping ranches with branding, gathering, and moving cattle. Their roots in Norwood grew deep and strong, and it remained Austin’s home until her passing on January 30, 2026.

Jon’s passing on December 17, 2021 brought Haylee and Austin closer. The two became inseparable. Together they overcome tragedy and hardship over and over. Austin’s unwavering love for her daughter was inspiring. Her whole heart was devoted to Haylee’s happiness, well being, and passion for the outdoors. Despite the family’s numerous hunting adventures, Austin was always the guide. And finally this fall Austin killed her first bull elk with Haylee by her side.

Austin dedicated much of her life to helping others. She had a kind, caring soul and a gift for making people feel welcomed and valued. She worked for many years in both Norwood and Nucla Public Schools as a paraprofessional, coach, and librarian. Her commitment to her community extended far beyond her work. Austin volunteered tirelessly with the San Miguel Basin Fair Board, the Norwood Roping Club, the San Miguel Basin Rodeo Committee, and the Wrights Mesa Gymkhana Club. Wherever help was needed, Austin showed up reliably, wholeheartedly, and with a smile and humor.

She will be remembered for her warm heart, her generous spirit, her witty sense of humor, her matter-of-fact honesty, her deep devotion to her family, and her true cowgirl grit.

Austin is survived by her daughter, Haylee; her parents, Randy and Holly Christensen; her sister, Mischell McCollum and John Paul Coats and nephews Liam and Lance and nieces Kelsi and Kacie; and her brother Marty and Lea Christensen and niece Shelby, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.