Gloria Bess Smith Date of Birth: Wed, 09/26/1945 Date of Death: Wed, 12/14/2011
Gloria Bess Bell Smith, 66, of Cypress, TX died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 14th, 10 days after her 46th wedding anniversary. She left so suddenly that we were not able to thank her for the happiness she brought to so many lives. Gloria was a lover of frogs, wolves and the Durango, CO area. Although she was never able to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse, she always cared deeply for groups and people that could not care for themselves. According to her wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes scattered on Vista Grande overlooking the Pine River Valley near Durango, CO. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Billy; her uncle, Bill LaRue; her son, Darren Moura-Smith and wife Corri; her son Jason Smith and wife Jenny; five grandchildren: Quinn Moura-Smith, Haley Moura-Smith, Charlotte Smith, Colin Moura-Smith and Brooke Smith. The memorial service is to be held Saturday, December 31st at 1:00pm at the Cypress Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Rd. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Moura-Smith house, 16134 Halpren Falls, Cypress, TX 77429. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in her name be made to one of the following groups: National Wildlife Federation (Adopt a Wolf), Natural Resources Defense Council, World Wildlife Fund or Sierra Club.

Recent Tributes

  • Stella Naranjo
    Friday, December 30, 2011 - 00:55

    It is will sincere gratefullness that I recall the years of friendship and though we did not keep in contact as much as I would have liked, when we did communicate by phone or when we met in person, it was always like we were never far apart. Gloria, you were always an inspiration to me. When pain was more than I could bear, I remember you didn't ever let it stop you from doing or going. I was so looking forward to seeing you and Billy again this summer.

    Billy and family, My deepest condolences are with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.

  • Julie Gruber
    Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 16:20

    Smith Family,
    I'd like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. The staff at UP are all thinking and praying for you.
    Sincerely,
    Julie Gruber

  • Sidra Tariq
    Saturday, December 17, 2011 - 10:02

    To Billy & family,

    Please accept my condolences on Gloria’s death. It was such a surprise for me when I heard about it. All the love, care, and kindness that she gave me I will never be able to forget. Thank you for all of it dear Gloria. You will be remembered for your warmth and kindness.

    I will forever cherish the memory of her!

    With Deepest Sympathy,

    Sidra Tariq

  • Billy
    Friday, December 16, 2011 - 18:40

    My Dearest Gloria,
    You left so quickly that I did not have a chance to say “Goodbye!” or “Thank you!” for all the happiness that you gave to me, like our two wonderful sons. Therefore, I will try to put into words what my kisses would have conveyed.
    We had a good life together through many ups and down. I doubt it would have lasted so long except for you (you were definitely stubborn). Our forty-six years and ten days together were filled with so many marvelous memories, yet that time still seems much too short. We had numerous things planned to do in the coming years. Nevertheless, you taught me many things and I truly appreciate the patience you showed until I learned them. I am a better and wiser man than when we first met. Now, you will teach me how to live without you. It not an easy lesson, even with the help and love of Darren, Jason and all our other family members and friends. Although you did not go to college or become a nurse (as you dreamed early in life), you always knew more about the needs of people and cared deeply for all groups that could not give voice to their own rights and needs. You “nursed” a multitude of people and causes outside your family and friends. You always spoke out for truth and the rights of people, and all living things. Politics was one of your passions since you served as a precinct judge when our sons were in grade school.
    We had discussed on many occasions our plans in case of death. With the help of our sons, I have begun to fulfill your ardent desire for a memorial service with no religious connections. While that is only natural for an atheist, it will be a first in our family. Then one day, I will follow your example. Some of your favorite music will be played. There will be tributes to you and your life, which you lived/loved so well despite your many health problems. In lieu of flowers, you asked that donations be made to organizations such as: Sierra Club, NRDC, NWF, GREENPEACE, or other groups who help to protect the wild world.
    I am so thankful that we were able to return to Colorado and the Wilderness Trails Ranch our last two summers. You fell in love with it on our first visit over thirty years ago, and I did as well. We will scatter your ashes and Maggie’s together at Vista Grande. Mine will follow later. LAMK!

  • Sandy Asmussen
    Friday, December 16, 2011 - 15:16

    Gloria, my friend, you and I laughed at our Grandma to Grandma connection and always thinking about our grand children. I will miss you!

    Gloria and I discussed how long a Soapie Pony would last, and I let her know it last like a year as I had brought one for my grand kids. We laughed as a soapie pony is simply a little plastic horse in clear soap for kiddo's. We just giggled at our "grandma ways". It will be wonderful to know her grandson!

    It's amazing how our love of kids and horses were the foundation of our friendship. Gloria and Billy brought a lot of laughter, love and joy to the ranch.

    With love for Billy and his family!
    Sincerely,
    Sandy Asmussen
    Wilderness Trails Ranch
    Durango, CO

  • Judith Bowser
    Friday, December 16, 2011 - 15:15

    Billy & Family,

    All of you are in my prayers for comfort and encouragement from the Lord who loves us so deeply and knows the pain you are feeling. May He strengthen and hold you close as you walk through this time of grief.
    Blessings on all,

    with deepest sympathy,
    Judith Bowser

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