Patricia Sue Smith

Patricia Sue Smith, a very much-loved mom and grandma passed away on June 6th, 2023. The self-ascribed contrarian was with her daughter at the time of her passing; which they both disagreed about deeply.

Patty was raised in the Arkansas Valley, stubborn, and strong. She graduated from Otero Junior College with her associate degree in the Science of Nursing, following the path of her mother Emily Pauley. During her career she cared for many members of the La Junta and surrounding communities. Her final place of nursing was the Veterans’ Administration nursing home. She cared immensely about “her boys” and was always proud to be a part of the care of those that served this country. Apart from her professional career Patty set her path in this world in a way that set her apart from most around her. She took care of her chosen family that at one time was made most of the LGBTQIA community in a time when that was dangerous and usually ill-fated. None of those things really mattered to Patty because she always loved whom she loved with, mostly, no regard for what others thought. This edict followed her into her later years as she gave to and supported shelters for our neighbors without homes. She was also a member of the “Peanut Butter Brigade” a group of women that made sandwiches and gave coats to those in her area when the shelter had closed. She was so many things, some that come to mind are a storyteller, a problems solver, a seamstress, a car mechanic, a nature enthusiast, a hunter, a daughter, a mother, a grandmother and (her favorite) a fisher woman. My personal favorite being mother.

Patty was preceded in death by her mother, Emily, her husband, Larry, and her beloved nephew, Micheal. In life she is survived by her children, Kathleen (Joe H.) Hilner of Pueblo, CO, Cassandra Crystal of Texas and Brooke (Allison Bukowski) Strawn of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Michael Barbee, Justin Barbee, Amanda Segura, Robert Tourgee, Joseph Crystal, Russell Crystal, James Strawn, Devin Strawn, Andrew Strawn, Brynn Bukowski, & August Bukowski; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Martha Elaine Sann and Elizabeth Ann Rutherford. Numerous nieces and nieces also survive

She is sorely missed and still loved. Please join us in celebrating her life on June 16, 2023, at Peacock Memorial Chapel at 11am. There will be a gathering and refreshments following the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pueblo Rescue Mission (www.thepueblorescuemission.org) or to the Southern Colorado Spay and Neuter Assoc. (www.socospay.com).

The service will be live streamed at Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home Facebook page.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.