Shirley Mae Smith

Sep 16, 1937 -

Feb 21, 2026

Shirley M. Smith, 88, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2026, in Prescott, Ariz. Shirley was born in Oklahoma on Sept. 16, 1937, to parents James and Edna Hightower. As a young teen, Shirley moved to Redding, Calif., where she graduated Anderson Union High School and married William "Bill" Smith.

Shirley was proud of the 30 years she and Bill lived in Alaska. Surviving both the travel up the Alcan with three small children and the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. Shirley was known for growing enormous vegetables, canning and baking bread. She loved Alaska, creating delicious meals from her garden, local fish and moose shared with family and friends at their Big Lake cabin. For years, Shirley managed rental properties and assisted Bill with his real estate company.

In their later years, Shirley and Bill relocated to Arizona. There they built a retirement home together, doing virtually all their own labor. Shirley was a dedicated caregiver to Bill as his health declined.

Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker leaving behind three children: daughters, Brenda and Maryann (Todd) and son, Jim (Kim); eight grandchildren, Dean, Joe, Lauren, Ben, Shannon, Kailyn, Eric and Jacob; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Bob Hightower; her parents; and beloved husband of 61 years, Bill Smith.

A memorial service was held at Prescott National Cemetery on Friday, April 3, 2026.