Ronnie died March 1, 2016, in a tragic accident while on vacation in Roatan. She was born Oct 28, 1954, in Imperial Neb., to Sid and Shirley Tallman. While she was very young the family moved to Estes Park, Colo. Ronnie grew up in the mountains, attending Estes Park schools. She loved the mountains; her family enjoyed spending time together hiking and camping. Ronnie especially loved searching for arrowheads with her dad. Her summers as a teenager were spent helping her grandma and Grampa Bill on their farm in Lamar, Neb. After high school she attended University of Northern Colorado and later Colorado University.

Ronnie met David Smith in high school in 1970, and they were married July 1, 1974. Over 41 years they were happily married as husband and wife and best friends. The couple raised their sons Ryan David Smith and Matthew William Smith at the home they built together southwest of Berthoud Colo. They were members of the Open Door Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Longmont, Colo. More recently they attended Grace Place in Berthoud.

Ronnie worked as an LPN in the medical field in their early married years. She also volunteered as an EMT. Both boys were home-schooled by their mom through the eighth grade. For several years she operated her own house-cleaning business. More recently she was employed by Oleo Acres farrier supply in Berthoud and part-time at Barnyard Vet supply in Loveland. Always an animal lover, she owned and rode horses on trail rides for many years, later owning and enjoying her mules, which became her favorites. Ronnie had a special bond with the family pets through the years, especially her German short haired pointer, Molly. Music had always been a big part of her life. She played several instruments, but the banjo was her favorite. She could make it sing. Several times through the years she played “Amazing Grace” on her harmonica at friends’ and family’s funerals. Her grandchildren Kylie Ryan Smith and Camball Brock Smith were her greatest joy. She is survived by her husband Dave, her son Ryan and his wife and kids Amber, Kylie and Camball; her son Matt, her sister Cyndie and husband Paul, her brother Rock and wife Becky, her sister Robin and husband Roy, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ronnie loved traveling and meeting people, helping others in any way she could. She loved the Lord and His love shined thru her.

A celebration of her life will be held at Grace Place Church in Berthoud, Colo., at 3 p.m. March 25.