Kelly Leigh Smith

1952 - 2021

Kelly Leigh Smith 1952- 2021 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.

Go to www.montgomerystryker.com to send condolences.