Paula Queen Crouch Smith

Paula Queen Crouch Smith passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Las Cruces, NM.

Mrs. Smith was born in Asheville, NC to the late James Billy Queen and Mary Ruth Spann Queen. Paula grew up in Biltmore Village, attended Biltmore School and graduated from T.C. Roberson. She danced with Fletcher School of Dance throughout her youth. Paula was a member of OES Rainbow Girls and competed in Miss Asheville. During a brief military break, Paula married Larry, and they immediately moved across the country to Coronado Beach. After his US Navy service, they returned to Asheville and started their family. With a knack for numbers, she continued her education at AB Tech and graduated from Montreat College.

Paula was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She stayed home when the kids were young and managed the household while Larry grew his construction business. She was heavily involved in the kid’s activities from being taxi-driver to lessons and practice to volunteering as PTA President and in Children’s Church. Later, she worked in the office at Valley Springs and for Volvo Construction Equipment in various finance roles.

In 2007, Paula became a grandmother x4 and can only be described as “over-the-moon”. She spent months with Heidi and Conrad as they prepared for and welcomed Jane, Conrad, and Julia. Erik and Stephanie were blessed with Harper a couple months later. Easton and Karlee were welcomed over the next few years. Grammie was her favorite title!

Paula was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Richard Larry Crouch. She is survived by her husband Bob Smith; her daughter, Heidi and son-in-law Conrad Little; her son, Erik and daughter-in-law Stephanie Crouch; her six grandchildren, Jane, Conrad, Julia, Harper, Easton and Karlee; her sister Kathy (Rusty) Stafford, her sweet dog Sasha, many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the great staff and caregivers at The Village at Northrise, specifically Bonnie Zeiler. Also, the family would like to thank the “desert angels” from Las Cruces: Deb and Jo, Paula T, Laurel, David and Danica.

A gathering to celebrate Paula’s life will be held at a later date.

For those considering memorial donations, the family requests they be made to ABCCM in Asheville or a charity of your choice.