SMITH, Frances L. (Tootie)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Frances L. “Tootie” Smith passed away peacefully at her home on March 10, 2015. She was born in Statesville, N.C. to Troy and Era Shoemaker on March 31, 1927. She met the love or her life when she was just 14 years old. She married Gray Smith when he returned from the service in 1946. They would have celebrated 68 years of marriage on March 12, 2015. They moved to Arizona in 1952 and have since resided in Miami, Ariz. Frances worked at Gila General Hospital for quite a few years. She was one of the original members of the Friendship Club, which was in existence for more than 50 years. She loved to play cards, go to the casino and be around friends and family. She was a good cook, loved to entertain and was a fierce champion for treating all the animals with kindness and compassion, especially any dog that was being mistreated. She is survived by her husband, Gray; daughters, Sandy (Skip) Preston and Adrianne Smith; grandchildren, Shanna, Karrie, Trey and Stephanie; great grandchildren, Sophia, Alexa, Phoebe, Treden, Tallen, Katie and Lyla; as well as many cousins, nieces and a nephew. We want to thank her many doctors and caregivers who helped her throughout these past few years ― and especially her neighbors and close friends. We are especially honored and proud to have had her in our lives. We’ll always treasure and love her. Thank you Mom for all that you did. Loving you always.