Judy Ann Smith

Judy Ann Smith of Montgomery, Texas, passed away March 18, 2014 at the age of 73, in The Woodlands, Texas. She was born April 15, 1940, in Arriba, Colorado, to Thomas and Gladys Conarty. Judy grew up in a small town, Stratton, in eastern Colorado. Judy was a loving wife, dedicated mother and doting grandmother. Judy never did things half way and her activities were quite varied. She married her husband, Bob, at 18, helping him finish college. She then became an oilfield wife adapting to frequent moves around the country and always making new friends wherever their job took them. Bob’s work was predominantly focused on drilling operations which out of necessity, required Judy to shoulder most of the family rearing responsibilities. This was the era before cell phones and answering machines so she was also Bob’s personal answering service. This lead to Judy having a large network of friends within Bob’s drilling community. As Bob was often away from the family, Judy learned quite early how to handle the home responsibilities. She supported her children in all of their activities including little league team mother, Campfire Girls leader, and drama team parent. Later, her real love was being a special grandmother to her three grandsons. She was always an active church member, teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees. She spent many years serving as a mediator for the Montgomery County Dispute Resolution Center. She was one of the early mediators when the DRC was established and she loved helping others resolve their differences. Judy’s passion was politics and she was a charter member of Republican Womens’ clubs in both Louisiana and Texas. She was a Republican Precinct Chairman and election judge in both Harris and Montgomery counties since 1983. Judy was actively involved in the Texas Federation of Republican Women and at the time of her death she was Co-Chairman of Patrons. She was honored as being one of the TFRW’s Ten Outstanding Republican Women in Texas in 2005. She was a member and a former Regent of the National Federation of Republican Women. On two occasions as a Regent, Judy was honored to have coffee at the White House with the First Lady. She attended all Texas state conventions since moving to Texas in 1982, and served on numerous state convention committees, but especially on the Rules and Credential Committees. Judy served two terms on the State Republican Executive Committee, was Chairman of both Senatorial District 7 in Harris County and District 3 in Montgomery County. She was elected a National Delegate to the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Republican National Conventions. Judy is survived by her husband of 55 years, John Robert Smith. Her son Scott, his wife Jocelyn and their two sons Matthew and Cameron. Her daughter, Kristin. Her daughter Kaitie, her husband Klint Flynn and their son, Kamden. Her sister, Carol Eberhart. Her mother in law, Dorothy Smith Brown. Numerous nieces and nephews and Tom and the “Bears”. Celebration of life will be held April 5, 2014, at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Willis with Reverend Mark Woodward officiating. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Memorial Fund at the First United Methodist Church, Willis, Texas, the First United Methodist Church of Stratton, Colorado, or the charity of your choice. You are invited to leave written tributes to the family at www.cashnerconroe.com