Velda Mae Frazee Smith

VELDA MAE FRAZEE SMITH

Velda Mae Frazee Smith was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on Oct. 15, 2026. The Montrose, Colorado, resident was 98.

Velda was born on Feb. 1, 1928, in Metropolis, Illinois, to Harry Leland Frazee and Lillie Marie Slankard Frazee. Her mother later remarried as a senior citizen and assumed the surname VanHooser.

Velda spent most of her childhood in the Fairmount area of Metropolis. She attended Central Grade School and Metropolis Community High School. She also was a member of the Metropolis Church of God and was baptized in the Ohio River at Massac State Park at the age of 12.

Velda subsequently moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the summer of 1944 following the death of her father. Her mother had decided to move to Albuquerque in order to be closer to Velda’s maternal grandmother.

Velda went on to graduate from Albuquerque High School in 1946. She married World War II Army veteran Harold Gordon Smith on July 9, 1946, in Metropolis. Harold also hailed from Metropolis. They had been married for 61 years when he died in 2008.

Velda and Harold built two homes in Albuquerque’s South Valley. She was a devoted housewife and stay-at-home mom until her children were grown.

Velda faithfully instructed their three children regarding the good news of Jesus Christ. She was a member of the now-defunct West Mesa Assembly of God, where she taught Sunday School. She also was a dutiful caregiver to her grandmother, Ollie Elmina McMillan Slankard Cash. Mrs. Cash died in Albuquerque in 1971 at age 91.

Velda and her family relocated to Colorado’s Western Slope in 1973 where they established their final home on Alpine Road in Montrose. She received a plaque from Rosemont Baptist Church for teaching its ladies’ Bible class for 29 years. She also volunteered for five years at the San Juan Living Center and for 15 years as a Red Cross Gray Lady at Montrose Memorial Hospital.

Velda was also, from 1980 to approximately 2003, the owner and licensed cosmetologist at VelRose Beauty Shop in Montrose.

Velda was also known for her beautiful crochet work. She made and gave away hundreds of her trademark potholders, doilies and cross-shaped bookmarks.

Velda loved to read her Bible on a daily basis. Her family knows she is now rejoicing in heaven.

Velda’s survivors include her children: LtCol Harold Gordon Smith, Jr., USMC (Ret.), and his wife, Cathy, of Albuquerque; Bernard Lee “Bernie” Smith of Montrose; and Rosalie Jane Smith Daigle and her husband, Dan, of Denver. Bernie was his mother’s primary caregiver since 2008.

Velda is also survived by her grandchildren: H. Gordon Smith, III, and his wife, Stephanie, of Rossville, Indiana; Bryan Lee Smith and his wife, Sarah, of Montrose; Elizabeth Mae “Lizzie” Smith Wenrich, and her husband, Brian, of Albuquerque; and Joni Marie Smith Johnson, and her husband, Travis, of Katy, Texas. Velda is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Bryan and Sarah also helped care for Velda in recent years.

Velda was preceded in death by her parents, and all of her eight siblings. Those seven brothers and one sister included MSgt Leland B. Frazee, USAF (Ret.); Vera M. Frazee Reynolds; Harry A. Frazee; Bernard “Pedro” Frazee; Harold D. Frazee; Wayne N. Frazee, USN (Ret.); MSgt Earl L. Frazee, USAF (Ret.); and Lindell G. Frazee. Velda was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Frank VanHooser.

The viewing of Velda Smith’s remains will be Oct. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Crippin Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Crippin’s address is 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401.

Velda’s interment, next to her husband, and graveside service will follow at Grand View Cemetery on Sunset Mesa in Montrose. A luncheon reception in honor and celebration of Velda’s life will be held at Rosemont Baptist Church, with a start time around 12:30 to 1 p.m. the same day. All funeral attendees are welcome to attend. The church’s address is 1598 E. Niagara Rd., Montrose, CO 81401.

In lieu of flowers, Velda requested that donations be sent to Rosemont Baptist Church in her memory. Call the church office at (970) 249-4887 for information.