Nita Faye Smith

Nita Faye Gordon Smith went to be with her Lord on December 6, 2023 at 9:22 pm surrounded by family in her home in Ridgecrest CA. She was 81. She had very recently been diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma of the brain after having successfully beaten lymphoma in 2016.

On August 15,1942, Nita began her life in Santa Monica CA as Walter and Juanita Gordon's first child. She enjoyed a childhood in California and Texas with her two sisters, Sandra and Rita. In 1962, Nita met the love of her life, Charles Frank Smith, a charming young Air Force cadet who stole her heart. The two quickly realized they were in love and married. They started a family that same year and began building a foundation of love for many generations of Smiths to come.

Nita loved viewing the wildflowers each Spring and the desert's amazing sunsets each night. She never shied away from a long car ride, whether a cross-country vacation with many active children in tow, or a day-trip to the coast to visit family.

Quality Time was Nita's love language. She delighted in simple evenings with grandkids catching the latest episode of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, or spending time with kids at the park. Her favorite pastime was crocheting and teaching the family the right yarn tension and how to make a consistent stitch. Nearly every member of the family has received an afghan made with love that we each cherish deeply.

Nita was a steadfast woman of Godly character and was an example of faithfulness to those around her. She created a consistent and nurturing home with boundaries and expectations. Each and every child in the family knew her kindness and love firsthand. She gave long hugs and celebrated every achievement.

Nita always made herself available for others. It's a blessing that so many were able to be present for her during her last days and hours. As she was welcomed into Heaven with open arms and a celebration, she left behind such great memories and a legacy of unwavering love. She will be deeply missed.

Nita was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Elliott of Provo UT, and her eldest daughter, Shirley Becker of Ridgecrest.

Nita is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charlie Smith of Ridgecrest; her sister Rita (Doug) Whited of Ridgecrest; her children Bill (Gwen) Smith of Emmett ID, Debbie (Mike) Dibble of Ridgecrest, Charlie (Ruthie) Smith of San Diego; her 13 grandchildren Jaime Young, Billy White, Crystal Carpenter, Michael Pate, Nichole Wilson, Evan Smith, Alyssa French, Aaron Dibble, Allen Dibble, Kari Dibble, Kristi Dibble, Cooper Smith, and Beckett Smith; 26 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be officiated by Pastor Bill Logan at 2:00 pm, Friday, December 15, 2023, at Immanuel Chapel, followed by a reception. Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Holland and Lyons Mortuary.