Marie M Smiley

Marie Hilaria Marquez Smiley went to be with her Lord on March 1, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Marie was with her beloved daughter, Wilma, whom has lovingly cared for her for many years. Marie was born in Brighton, CO on October 21, 1927 to Eutemia and Lauriano Marquez. In her teens, she was one of the original Harvey girls. While working as a Harvey girl, she met her husband and lifelong partner, Charles Herbert Smiley. They were married in Las Vegas, NV on July 19, 1945. They spent their lives moving from town to town with Charles’ work with what was then the Santa Fe Railroad. They lived in Malaga, Artesia, Roswell, Vaughn, Mountainair, and Belen over the course of that career. They made many friends and influenced many lives. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles and her grandson, Kevin DeShazo, and great granddaughter, Ashlyn Smith.  Marie is survived by her daughter, Carolyna, of Longmont, Colorado; her son, Jerry and wife Kay, of Aztec, NM; her daughter and beloved caregiver, Wilma, of Edgewood, NM; her son, Jack and wife Linda, of Glendale, Arizona; and her daughter, Cathy and husband Leo, of Milagro, NM. Marie and Charles had 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Marie and Charles also opened their home to numerous children from the Baptist Children’s Home during the summer and on holidays while living in Artesia.   Marie was an active member and leader of the WMU (Women’s Missionary Union) for many years. She enjoyed her service and loved the many friends she made along the way. Before her illness kept her from attending, she was active in Sierra Vista Baptist Church in Belen, New Mexico. Marie loved to crochet, making many beautiful doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads that are enjoyed by various friends and family. She also enjoyed sewing and embroidery. She was an amazing cook, indulging each of her children with their favorite pie at dinner when they were growing up. Her many grandchildren will agree that her best culinary delight was her homemade ravioli, which was the favorite treat when visiting. It is shared often on Facebook posts between them. She will be very missed. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, March 6th, at Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriaty, NM from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Services will be held on March 7th, at 11:00 a.m., at the Vaughn Baptist Church in Vaughn, New Mexico with interment following at the Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn, NM. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Baptist Children’s Home, 2200 S. Avenue I, Portales, NM 88130; 1-575-359-1254.