Ronald Smith

Ronald Roy Smith, 89 years of age, formerly of Cedar Crest, New Mexico, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care in Albuquerque. Ron was born April 7, 1935, in St. Edward, Nebraska, the older of two sons born to Roy Lingle and Lillie Mae (Skanderup)Smith. He received his education from St. Edward Public Schools, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1953. He pursued his higher education, at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with honors in 1958.

On June 10, 1957, Ron was united in marriage to Patricia Green in York, NE. To this union was born one son, Ronald Craig in 1962. The couple divorced in 1963. On December 31, 1965, Ron was united in marriage to Shirlee Phillips. Ron and Shirlee enjoyed their love of animals, and Duffer was Ron's sidekick for many years. They loved the outdoors and spending time with family. Family time was special at Red River where he taught his nieces and nephew to snow ski. Shirlee passed away in November of 1992. Ron was a good father; he was kind, caring, humble, and a good and honorable man, he will be dearly missed.

On November 25, 1998, Ron was united in marriage to Janet Dahlgren Miller. Ron quickly adapted to his new role in Jan's family. He enjoyed many visits to Omaha for family gatherings. Ron and Jan built a beautiful home in Cedar Crest, NM in a subdivision Ron had developed in the 1980's. Ron was very proud of this home and he and Jan enjoyed it together for 20 years until Jan's passing in 2021.

Ron moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1958 and made New Mexico his lifelong home where he was an Albuquerque businessman until his retirement. During his career, Ron worked in the electronics industry. He sold the microchips that produced the world's first personal computer, the Altair 8800, and owned the second computer store in the country. He sold electronics' components for microchip manufacturers serving Sandia National Labs. He was blessed to work for and alongside many 'pioneers' in the semiconductor industry. He formed several businesses, including Century Electronics, which he sold in 1978. He continued to work in the electronics industry serving Sandia National Labs throughout the 80's and 90's. Ron formed long-term friendships with many of his business partners that were a large part of his life.

During his retirement, Ron often reflected on "life's lessons" and always wanted to pass along what he learned to friends and loved ones. He wanted others to learn from his mistakes and certainly lived life "one day at a time" as he always said. He was a brother, dad, uncle, business partner, and friend to many. He will be missed.

Ron enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball in high school. Ron was quick to remind you that he scored 43 points in a basketball game in high school. Ron truly loved sports and was an avid Husker fan, especially football, baseball, basketball and volleyball. He also enjoyed following Creighton sporting events with Jan.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee in 1992, and wife, Jan in 2021.

Ron leaves to celebrate his life; his son, Craig of Arlington, Texas; brother, Alan Smith (Sharon Ann) of Holdrege, Nebraska; nieces, Karen (Ken) Callaway of LeShara, DeEtte (David) Bailey of Holdrege and nephew, Bruce (Renee) Smith of Somerduck, Virginia; great nephews, Kenny (Jamie) Reed of Gretna, Martin (Heather) Reed of Larksbur, Colorado, Andrew (Tarrin) Reed of Valley, and Dustin (Jessica) Bailey of Kearney; a great-great nephew and 4 great-great nieces, whom he all adored; Jan's children, Scott Miller (Deb) of Aurora, Nebraska, Jeff Miller of Omaha, Julie Cahoy (Steve) of Omaha and Shari (Kevin) Munro of Omaha, Nebraska and 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, ; and very special friends, Mike and Caroline Strizich, Albuquerque; along with several cousins and friends. A memorial has been established in Ron's honor and will be designated at a later date.

A celebration of life for Ronald Roy Smith will be held on April 25, 2025, at Shadow Ridge Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska at 4:00 pm. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

FRENCH Funerals and Cremations in Albuquerque is in charge of the arrangements.