Arlene Maciel Smith

Arlene Maciel Borns Smith was born August 20, 1922 in South Shore, South Dakota of German descent. She met her husband when he was playing in a band that was performing in her hometown Watertown, South Dakota. They lived Minnesota and South Dakota until 1951 when they moved their family to Dallas, Texas. They had twelve children. Arlene lost her husband (the love of her life) in an automobile accident in 1975. Mom as she was known to everyone was a strong, proud and determined woman who was the matriarch of her large family. Mom was totally devoted to her children. She was an exceptional self-taught chef. Her cooking was infamous – especially her homemade gravy. She loved candy and all other sweets. She was an accomplished baker of a multitude of sweets and deserts from chocolate cake to apple pie. She loved horses, country music and card games, especially pinochle. Her favorite color was red, and she would more often than not incorporate the color into her outfits. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. Mom loved God. She had attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas since the early 60’s and was a member since 1975. Mom loved shopping – not just for herself, but her family. She is survived by her children: Carolyn, Rick, Reggie (Amanda), Ronnie, Robin (Doll), Rex (Tammy), Russell (Shari), Reagan and Rhea (Sarah). Her son-in-law James and daughter-in-law Emily. Her grandchildren: Kay Lynn (Bobby), Jerry Dean (Suzette), Robin Renee (John), Eric (Heather), Shanna (Brad), Julie (D.J.), Rod, Laura (Mark), Lisa (James), Jennifer, Heather, Heidi (Jason), Ella (Shawn), Richard, Joshua, Christina, Barney, Tammy (Tim), Lindsey (Paul), Kelly (Randy), Clint (Holly), Jerry (Colleen), Jonathan, and Sean (Heather). Her sixty-one great grandchildren, twenty-eight great great-grandchildren, many special nieces, nephews and cousins. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Ruth Borns, husband Randell, two infant sons, daughter Gloria, son-in-law Byron, sisters Audrey, Lois and Betty and brother Kenny.