Valari Jean Smith

  Valari Jean Smith was born on March 17, 1955, to Bobby Kent (BK) and Norma Jean Myers in Farmington, NM. Valari passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, surrounded by her family.

  Valari is preceded in death by her grandparents, Clarence and Neva Knight and Frankie Dexter; her parents, BK and Jean Myers; her sister, Sherri Atkins; her brother-in-law, Richard Fry; and her beloved dog, Roxy.

  Valari married Ed Smith in July 2001. Known as “Gram Cracker” to her grandchildren, Valari holds a special place in her family’s and friends’ hearts. She is already greatly missed. She considered several of her friends to be family. Valari was a beautiful person, inside and out. She might have been small, but she was mighty and had a big heart. Her love will continue to live on through her family and friends.

Valari lived in Amarillo, TX, before moving to Rio Rancho in 1991 to be closer to her parents.

  Valari had a love for crafts. She made beautiful wreaths and came up with amazing décor and holiday items. Everyone loved her creations and would place orders with her. She was extremely creative and turned her passion into a side job. She could take a small idea and turn it into a masterpiece.

  Valari also loved going to the cabin in Eagle Nest, which she helped her parents build in the 1970s. It was her home away from home and full of memories. She loved fishing and always managed to catch more than anyone else. We believed being born on St. Patrick’s Day made her luckier than the rest of us.

  Valari followed in her dad’s footsteps with a passion for racing and fast cars. She loved riding motorcycles and dirt bikes since she was a kid. People always said she had a “lead foot,” and she would just smile and laugh. Her famous quote was “Let’s go racin’!” She was one of the most stubborn yet lovable people you could ever know. Most of all, she loved her family and friends deeply.

  Valari worked in schools most of her life as an educational assistant. After moving to Rio Rancho, she started at Lincoln Middle School and ended her career as the In-School Suspension teacher. Throughout her years in education, she touched many lives.

Survivors include: Her husband, John Edwin Smith; Daughter, Lisa Montano and husband Simon; Granddaughters, Alyssa and Zoe; Grandson, Maddox; Sister, Terri Fry; Nieces: Trisia, Abbi, Jinni, Kinedi Jordan, Annie McLean, Courtney Fry, Jamie, and Paisley Rudd; Nephews: Bill McLean Jr. and wife Wendy, Josh Fry and wife Brittany, Russel Talon McLean and wife Hope, Noah, and Nash; Lisa’s friends who were like daughters: Crystal Sena and Chauna Sullivan; Close friends for 45+ years: Mitzi and Billy Head, and Robbyn Hart.

Thank you to Bosque Trails Hospice. Even though your time with Valari was short, you provided the best care. We are so grateful for your nurses. Thank you to Pastor Si for coming out to the house to visit Valari.

Services for Valari will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Rio Rancho. The church will provide lunch after the service.

In Valari’s honor, and in keeping with her wish not to dress up, we ask that you wear jeans or her favorite color, blue, to the service.