Lisa Benally Smartt

1960 - 2021

Lisa Benally Smartt
October 8, 1960 - July 11, 2021
Caldwell, Idaho - Lisa Benally Smartt, 60
Lisa passed away on July 11th, 2021. Lisa was born October 8th, 1960, in Oceanside, Camp Pendleton. Lisa was a proud enrolled member of the Potawatomi Tribe in Hannaville, MI. She was also a descendant of the Ottawa tribe, and the Navajo and Hopi tribes. Lisa was born to Franklyn Benally and Irene Sagataw. Lisa lost her father in a military aircraft accident on the USS Lexington. Irene later met and married Anthony Mancilla Jr. Tony would then raise Lisa for the rest of her life.
She attended primary school at Eagle Rock Elementary in California. In 1973, Anthony then moved the family to Star, Idaho, where Lisa studied at Meridian Junior High, and then on to Meridian High School.
Lisa then met and married Gary Rae Little, and together they had four children and later divorced. Lisa then met and married Philman (Rob) Smartt, together they had one child. Rob brought two children into the marriage as well.
Lisa graduated from barber school and enjoyed a career in the Boise and Nampa areas. Lisa took pride as the family's personal stylist to her children and sisters; no hairstyle was unattainable. She enjoyed the McDermitt sundances, Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festivals, yard sales, thrift store shopping, live music, movies, and enjoyed the great outdoors. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she always enjoyed making tamales. Most importantly, she loved family gatherings and always brought her famous beans and potatoes.
She enjoyed road trips down south with Tony and Talon to visit the Navajo Nation, where her family still resides. She also frequently visited her loved ones in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado.
She is survived by her husband Rob Smartt, Gary Little (Carrie), Jesse Little (Amy), Brandon, Francine Britt (Bradley) Talon, Neilman Smartt (Monique), and Robyn Smartt (Eric). She is survived by her father, Anthony Mancilla II, and is also survived by one brother Tony Mancilla III, Deborah Jackson (Brad), Monica Mohammad (Amin), Nancy Edmo (Wesley).
She was preceded in death by her father, Franklyn Benally; and her mother, Irene Sagataw Mancilla.
A graveside service will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 10 am, August 21st, Followed by a celebration of life and personal tributes at the Nampa Civic Center starting at 11 am.