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Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of Leigh Ann Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Leigh Ann departed this world on June 3, 2026, in the loving embrace of her family, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. She was 69 years old.
Born on May 24, 1957, in the town of Tombstone, Arizona. Leigh Ann was the beloved daughter of Don and Elsie Taylor. Throughout her life, Leigh Ann carried the values of love, resilience, and forgiveness instilled in her by her parents.
Leigh Ann was married to the love of her life, Dave Smith, on June 28, 1973. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, cherishing 48 years of marriage before Dave's passing. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Kristi (Mike) Salek and Winter (Randy) Stroud. Her heart was a sanctuary for those she loved, and her family was her greatest treasure. Her grandchildren, Riley Salek, Domanik Smith-Otero, Skylynn Smith, and Keana Smith, and great-grandchildren, Beau and Charleigh, were the light of her life. Each of them will carry a piece of her spirit within them, a testament to the love she showered upon them.
Leigh Ann found joy in the simple pleasures of life and dedicated 35 years to serving her community as a rural route carrier. Her work ethic and dedication were admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Outside of work, Leigh Ann found joy and expression in photography, drawing, painting, and crafts. Despite allergies, her love for flowers and horses was a testament to her willingness to embrace beauty in all its forms.
Her eyes lit up when she was happy, and her smile was truly contagious. She embraced life with a generous spirit and a loving heart, always putting her family first. Leigh Ann's warmth and kindness extended far beyond her immediate family, encompassing everyone she encountered. She loved fiercely and forgave generously, embodying a spirit of compassion and grace that left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
She is survived by her sisters, Colleen (Joe) Wilkey, Tina (Bobby) Beltran, Teresa (Dale) Palkki, and sister-in-law Yolanda Counts who, together with Leigh Ann, shared a bond filled with laughter and unwavering support. She was predeceased by her husband Dave, her parents Don and Elsie Taylor, and her brother Tim Counts, all of whom she loved dearly and is now reunited with in peace.
Following her final wishes, Leigh Ann did not wish to have any services, she knew she was going home to be with her savior and all those who passed before her. She loved all her family and friends, too many to mention, so she could not stand the thought of anyone being sad or crying for her.
Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May Leigh Ann rest in eternal peace, surrounded by love and light, just as she surrounded us all during her time on earth.
