Caroline Ruth Smith

Caroline Ruth Smith, 86, died peacefully at her home in Fountain Hills on August 23, 2024, surrounded by family. She lived an active and fulfilling life. She was an incredible person who could accomplish anything she put her mind and spirit into. With her many talents, diverse interests and strengths, failure was never an option. Her friends called her “Sunshine” for her infectious smile and ability to brighten every room. She loved singing and knew a surprising number of songs, adopting “Sweet Caroline” as her anthem. Born in 1938 in Harlan, Kentucky, Caroline was the daughter of Mossie and Clarence Fore. She moved to Ohio as a young girl, later graduating with a bachelor’s in education from Miami University of Ohio. Upon graduation, she married Dick Smith while he was attending the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB. She embraced military life with their initial assignment at Edwards AFB, where they joined 1960s USAF flight test program’ golden age. She cared for their young family during Dick’s two combat tours as a Wild Weasel in SE Asia and cherished the lasting friendships made during Dick’s career with the USAF. She was proud of her daughters, Pamela and Monica, raising them to be strong, independent and confident women. She loved to travel, exploring Peru with Pamela and Europe with Monica. Caroline’s accomplishments also included being a top golfer at Edwards AFB (and meeting Jack Nicklaus) and a top Albuquerque realtor for 20+ years. An animal lover, she started the “Remembering Mandy” dog rescue network, finding homes for 100+ dogs from Albuquerque animal shelters. Annual trips to her treasured Playa Mazatlan Hotel gave her status as a ‘repetivo’. Her Mazatlan friends included hotel staff, beach vendors and fellow repetivos. Caroline enjoyed waking up early to claim a good beach palapa, singing along to ‘Solamente Una Vez’, and, notably, visiting with the actor Robert Mitchum. In 2001, she and Dick moved to Green Valley, Arizona. Caroline spent time with her arts, specifically the clay club. Caroline’s pottery and beaded necklaces continue to provide joy to friends and family. To be near family, Caroline relocated to Fountain Hills in 2020. She is survived by her 2 daughters: Pamela Smith of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Monica (Smith) Mullen (Dan) of Fountain Hills, Arizona; and her beloved dog Olive. Preceding her in death are her husband, Colonel Richard (Dick) Edward Smith (USAF Ret), parents, sister, brother, and her many beloved dogs. A memorial service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on October 24, 2024. You can honor Caroline’s memory by donating in her name to your favorite animal shelter or the River Rats Fighter Pilots Association.