Neva Fern Anderson Smith

NEVA F. SMITH-Neva Fern Andersen Smith, 83, of Farmington, slipped quietly from this life and into the arms of her savior on Sunday, January 9, 2010. Neva was born September 4, 1926 in Flagler, Colorado to Alvin and Zelma Andersen. She was one of six children. In 1945 her life was forever changed for the best when she met Sterling Smith, who would prove to be the love of her life. They were married that same year in Garden City, Kansas and their union gave life to five children. Neva moved with her husband and young family to Farmington in 1957. She retired from the Farmington Schools where she worked for many years as a cashier. Family meant everything to Neva, and her greatest pleasure was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a very competitive person who loved to play games, most notably canasta, yahtzee and dominos. Neva loved to gamble. She played poker with her family and friends, went to the casino when she could and could hardly wait for Sundays when she would hightail it to the VFW in Aztec, where she was a regular, for Bingo! Neva believed in God and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and she taught her children accordingly. She was a member of Crestview Southern Baptist Church. Though she was small in stature, she had a bigger -than-life personality. Those who knew and loved her will remember her contagious laughter, especially when winning a game, and her stubborn, feisty spirit! Neva was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Zelma Andersen; her husband of 46 years, Sterling W. Smith, her son, Randall K. Smith; brother, LeRoy Andersen; sisters, Gingie McLeod and Maxine Mullin and great-granddaughter, Alayna Marie Smith. Neva is survived by her children: daughters, Sandra and Dudley Welch and Janice and Charles Cassell, both of Farmington; sons, Robert and Kathy Smith of Washington and Stephen and Wanda Smith of Farmington; brother, Gene and Helen Andersen of Colorado; sister, Thelma Bissco of Oregon. She leaves behind ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one on the way as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She will be greatly missed. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington 404 W. Arrington Farmington, NM 87401 505-327-5142