RAPONI, Jessie

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Saturday, April 10, 2010 Jessie Smith Raponi, 34, died Sunday, April 4, 2010, in Flagstaff. Mrs. Raponi was born Jessie Alexander Feb. 7, 1976. She was a remarkable woman who was admired and loved by everyone whose life she touched. Her warmth, energy and family focus drew people to her throughout her life. Born while she was married as a young woman to Chris Harper, her daughter Kyla was the foundation of a loving family. Later while married to Kirk Smith, her daughters Kayla Smith and Madison Smith joined the circle. A few years after Mr. Smith's death, she married Daniel Raponi, and his children Isabella and Anthony Joseph were wrapped in her affection and care. An active family, the extended group enjoyed camping and four-wheeling. A lifetime resident of Flagstaff, she was known to many as a caring and professional massage therapist. But more knew her as a dedicated and loving wife and mother, and she was known by even more as a generous, warm and faithful sister, daughter and friend. She will be missed more than mere words can express by brothers Kenny and Kevin Alexander. Her family is grateful to the many, many neighbors and friends who have come together to support them at this unimaginably sad time. Mrs. Raponi is survived by the five children she loved so much; her extended and loving family; her father, Henry (Vicki) Alexander; her mother, Diana Alexander; her sister, Shelly Alexander; and her brothers, Larry Mullens, Russ Alexander and Daniel Alexander. She was preceded in death by husband Kirk Smith. A service will be today at 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge BPOE No. 499, 2101 N. San Francisco St., in Flagstaff, to be followed by a brief graveside service at Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco St. An informal gathering at the Elks Lodge will follow. Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@Lozanos-FlagstaffMortuary.com . Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary is handling arrangements.