Ellen Irene Smith

It is with great sadness the family of Ellen Irene Dowdy Smith announce her peaceful passing on November 4, 2024. She was born May 12,1928, to the late Margaret E. Sherill Dowdy and Thomas E. Dowdy of Memphis, TN with deep family roots in and around Memphis and Whiteville, TN.

Her family moved to El Paso, TX due to health concerns. One year later at age 12, Ellen's mother passed after which her dad enrolled her in catholic boarding School. Graduating in 1946 from Austin High School where she lettered on the rifle team. After graduation she became the bookkeeper at a Chevrolet dealership.

Ellen met her husband of 67 years Harlan Van Smith, on a blind date set up by one of her best girlfriends.

She supported his Military career and his years with Belton Electronics as they relocated to several different states and countries. 

Sharing six children and 11 grandchildren, loving and supporting them throughout their lives and education, sports, careers, travels, their own families, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, horses, goats, chickens and cows. She enjoyed early years hunting with her husband, sewing, creating her kids’ clothes, music and working in her flower gardens. As an empty nester she gained employment with Justin Boot Co. and clothing stores.

She enjoyed the open territory of S.W. Wyoming, the forest of Colorado, her beloved Texas and everywhere in between. 

She is predeceased by her husband Harlan Van Smith, daughters Karen L. Mullin of Pennsylvania and Cindy K. Smith of Wyoming.

Surviving children are Harlan {Debbie} Smith of New Mexico, Chrystie {Chris} Smith of Wyoming, Laura {Greg} Moren of Oklahoma, Michael {Amy} Smith of Texas and grandchildren; Eric Smith and family of Michigan, Stephen Smith and family of Washington, Will Mullin and family of Pennsylvania, Justin Mullin and family of Texas, Thomas Smith and family of Wyoming, Madeline and Emily Moren, Adam Zimmerer, Ashley Konogeris and family, Macy and Marshall Smith of Texas and 16 great grandchildren. 

Ellen's services will be held on Thursday, November 14th with a visitation from 6 to 8pm. There will be a chapel service held at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, Texas at 12:00pm on November 15th. The committal service at DFW National Cemetery will follow the chapel service, with a start time of 2:30pm.