Kelly Leigh Smith was born June 24, 1952 in Ainsworth, NE to Laddie and Lilas (Turner) Smith and was one of seven children. Her family lived in Brewster for a few years before moving to the Medicine Creek Ranch north of Kennebec, SD. In 1967 the family ranch moved just west of Laramie, WY.
Kelly graduated from Laramie Prep in 1970. She married Kim Epler and had two children, Kevin and Kimberly. Kelly later married Mike Schnitker in 1985 and had the twins – Jessica and Johnny.
Kelly worked several jobs over the years in Laramie. She was a sales clerk at JC Penneys until it closed and then took a job at the University of Wyoming Bookstore while also taking some art classes at UW. She became a stay-at-home mom after the twins were born in 1985. In 1989 Kelly went to work for Ivinson Memorial Hospital as a cook/baker. She worked at IMH until her retirement on April 1, 2021. Everyone LOVED her baked goods, ranch salad recipes and her famous Bierocks (German stuffed cabbage burgers).
Kelly loved shopping, flea markets, and garage sales and was always one to negotiate a good deal. Her hobbies were on-line shopping and always giving to others. Kelly could always be found cheering on her grandson Brady on either the football field or basketball court and telling “Leader” to run true and take care of her Keeley girl and then yelling for Keeley to tie that goat (at rodeos)!
Kelly battled cancer with her quick wit and sassy demeanor up until the end.
Kelly passed December 15, 2021 surrounding by her family. Kelly is survived by her four children, Kevin Epler (Laramie), Kimberly and husband Gary Puls (Laramie), Jessica and husband JR Lipps (Cheyenne) and Johnny Schnitker (Rawlins); 5 siblings, Janice Jennings, Grady and wife Suzie Smith, Troy and wife Twila Smith, Tammy Smith and Tina Smith; grand-children: Brittany, Brady, Keeley, Ty, Zack, Davis, Zane, Keenan and Baby Gary; great-granddaughter: Marley Rae; several nieces, nephews and many great-nieces, nephews.
Kelly was preceded in death by her grandparents Fred and Augusta Turner, Guy and Lottie Smith; parents Laddie and Lilas Smith; sister Vickie King and grandson Baby Gary.
A memorial service will be held December 22nd at the Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home (2133 East Rainbow Ave.), 10:30 AM. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center or Hospice of Laramie in Kelly’s name.
Kelly Smith was my best friend in high school. We spent a lot of time together at school and at each others home. I am so very sad that she is gone and that I cannot talk to her or go see her again. I loved going out to there ranch. There were so many kids in the family and it was fun to be around them. Kelly and I raked hay for her Dad a couple of summers and we would work in our shorts and tank top with Iodine and baby oil on so we could get a great tan. (which was usually a beet red sunburn). We would then ride to woods landing on Saturday night with Grady and try to get beer which was not hard. We might dance or chase boys but we always had a good time. We sang "Stand by your Man" one one night on stage. I guess we did okay as everyone was clapping and yelling. I came home often to see my folks and Kelly and I would always get together. She would often pick me up in that cute little green truck. We would take drives up to the snowy range, go check out University Prep where we went to school and talked about how small everything looked up there. We went to the Calveryman one night for dinner and we must have visited for 3 hours. Kelley was fun, she worked hard, she was liked by everyone at the hospital. She was never down or in a bad mood. She loved to visit with my Mom and my Dad. My Dad teased her every time he saw her and she would give it right back to him. She will be very much missed by all that knew her.
Kevin, sorry for your loss. Carry on my friend
Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I never met her but feel like I have because you talked about her sassy personality so many times. Wonder where you got your sass from????? She has left you so many beautiful memories that you'll keep in your heart forever. I hope she's making snow angels for you. Nancy
I'm so sorry to hear of Kelly's passing. I first met her when I was about 14 and later worked with her at IMH. I always enjoyed seeing her and visiting with her. She was a very genuine person and quite a hoot! I love her! She will be missed.