Montezuma - Dena (Redger) Smith was born to John and Mary Redger on October 22, 1921 at Cimarron. She departed this life on June 20, 2019, at the Bethel Home, Montezuma, reaching the age of 97 years.

Mother spent her early childhood years in the Cimarron community and later moved to the Chickasha, Oklahoma community.It was here that mother came under conviction of her sins, repenting, and finding a new birth experience. She was baptized on March 4, 1938, at the Chickasha Congregation by Min. John Koehn.

She found her life's companion in Davy Smith and they were married on January 17, 1942. They shared the joys and sorrows of life together for sixty-two years. To this union five children were born, Marilyn Ann, Orlie David, Carol Faye, Ray Steven, and Ronald Lee.

As a young couple they made their home in the Burns, Kansas community, living on various farms. In 1975, Davy and Dena moved to Texline, Texas to help establish the new congregation of which they were charter members. Their support and love to the church was exemplified by their years of janitorial work at the Burns and also the Texline Congregations.

On August 24, 2004, her companion, Davy, was taken from her side leaving Mother alone. She bravely continued on at her home in Texline for another eleven years when she moved to the Bethel Home in September, 2015.

As children, we have many fond memories of mother. A work of God's Grace in her life as a young wife instilled in her a deep love for the Church and the Faith and leaves us with an assurance that she is resting under the altar of God, awaiting that great resurrection day.  Her love and commitment to God has been a rock and anchor to us children and continues to bear fruit in the hearts of the grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were a source of joy in her life and she was always caring and interested in their lives and the activities in which they were involved.

Mother was also interested in the natural things of life, the farm, her garden, and quilting. Things were not always easy for her and Dad materially. Having grown up in the depression years, she learned the value of hard work and frugality. Throughout the struggles and tribulations of life Mother did not complain but found contentment in the things God provided. This acceptance of life was a source of inspiration and encouragement to her fellowmen. These virtues leave us with an enduring legacy to pattern our lives after.

As a family, we are deeply grateful for the loving care Mother received from the Bethel Home staff.

She is survived by her children; Marilyn and husband Loren Becker, Dalhart, Texas, Orlie Smith, Sedan, New Mexico, Carol and husband Max Schmidt, Hydro, Oklahoma, Ray and wife Barb Smith, Sedan, New Mexico, and Ronald and wife Karen Smith, Dalhart, Texas,  19 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Davy, her parents, daughter-in-law, Glenda Smith, four grandsons, one great grandson, and three sisters.

Funeral service was held at Texline Mennonite Church, Texline, Texas on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery.  Visitation was at Bethel Home, Montezuma on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.