Dee passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017, peacefully at her residence at the E.D. Moore Retirement Center in Rifle, CO. A memorial service will be set at a later date in her home town of Berthoud, CO. Dee was born to Harry A. Smith and Reta Irene McCart Smith on April 27, 1933. She was a graduate of Loveland High School and was a member of the Lamar Co. 4H, Grace Rebekah’s, Loveland chapter #58 of The Daughters of Rebekah.

Dee had a wide array of occupations that enabled her to interact with the public, which was something she enjoyed immensely. As an entrepreneur and up-cycler extraordinaire, Dee used her creativity to make unique jewelry designs & wares as well as giving old items new life. She was also a skilled Silver Smith and Trader. Dee was enamored by the Native American Culture and built a great rapport with various tribes across the country. She was able to adapt her design styles in such a way that was well-received and honored their heritage and culture.

Dee is survived by her sister Toni & Bob Taylor of Woodburn, IO; her children Terry Ruggles of Alamosa, CO., Brenda Miller of Rifle, CO., Tim Trout (Doris) of Batavia, IL., Lisa Adams (Robbie) of Glenwood Springs, CO., Greg Trout (Brenda) of Grand Junction, CO., Sean Hardy (Janet) and Shane Hardy of Baclif, TX and Heather Contreras (Michael) of Borger, TX.; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harry & Reta Smith, sister Wilma & Hutch Hutchinson, her son Eric R. Trout, grandsons Daniel A. Trout, Sean P. Hardy Jr. and great-grandson Cody Landrum.

Our family would like to give a special THANK YOU to the staff and volunteers at the E.D Moore Care Center for making our mom’s final years so special and allowing her to just be her.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the E.D Moore Care Center – Resident Counsel.