Those who knew Cleone all agree that she was one of the most thoughtful and kindest people they knew. She will be remembered for her sweet nature, quiet strength, creativity, and always an abundance of well-meaning advice. Cleone Jean Smith, 73, of Denver, Colorado, died November 20, 2023, following an extensive struggle with a brain disorder.

Cleone was born in Owatonna, Minnesota in 1950 to Alfred and Dorothy Heil and inherited their hard work and willingness to help others. Cleone graduated from Owatonna High in 1968 and maintained many friends throughout her life from her days in Owatonna. While in high school she travelled to Washington D.C. with the school choir to sing for President Lyndon Johnson in the Rose Garden. Cleone enjoyed being the oldest of five and had many memories of helping raise her four other siblings.  She returned to Minnesota frequently to make more memories with them throughout her life. Cleone became a CNA at St. Mary's Nursing School in nearby Rochester, and then moved to Mankato, Minnesota, where she met and then married Paul Eric Smith in 1972. They moved to Denver, Colorado shortly after and had two children, Aaron and Meghan.  After raising her children, she attended the University of Colorado at Denver and earned her B.A. in Marketing, graduating Magna Cum Laude.  Cleone was proud to be the first person in her family to graduate from college. She went on to have a successful career as marketing director for several large accounting and law firms in Denver where she had many colleagues and friends.

She met the love of her life, Paul, while employed as a nurse at a hospital in Mankato. Paul was recovering from hernia surgery and, while impressed with his red Corvette, it was Paul's perpetual insistence on a date that finally won her over. Excited to start their new lives together, they married on November 18, 1972. Their fifty-one-year marriage was full of sweet memories and adventures. They both encouraged and supported one another to be the best they could be while providing their children and grandchildren with strong examples of marriage and true partnership.

Cleone loved music, being outside, volunteering for committees in church, and working with her friends and neighbors. However, her greatest love was spending time with her family, and, by far, her favorite role was that of grandmother. She treasured her time with their grandkids and loved being their "Mimi" and "Grammie", never failing to offer a hug, kiss, story, and, of course, food. She enjoyed creating projects to do with her grandkids and found joy in doing school pick-ups, hosting overnights, or watching games and numerous "shows" that her grandchildren loved putting on for her and Paul.

She had so, so many friends and all held a special place in her heart. Being far from home, her and Paul's friendships eventually became de facto family, with deep relationships lasting well over forty years.  As perpetual hostess and host, the Smith household doors were always open for frequent friend get togethers, family gatherings, and elaborate holiday feasts, especially for those who did not have a place to go.  Cleone developed and maintained the type of friendships that most people never have, yet she was still able to have more than she could count. She was so very grateful for each one of her friends.

Cleone was an active member of Park Hill United Methodist Church for 46 years. She believed deeply in the role the church has played in supporting all civil rights, including social justice for the LGBTQ + community. She loved her time supporting the Children's Center at the church as founding committee member and eventual board President. She often devoted her time to many efforts in the church and loved the relationships she formed as a result.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Smith, children, Aaron (Michelle) Smith, Meghan (William) Allen and grandchildren, Samuel and Elizabeth Smith and Brooke and Taylor Bentley, as well as her brother Brad Heil and sister Diane Asprey. will always be remembered for her love of people and the way that she always saw the good in them. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Cleone was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Dorothy Heil, her sisters, Beccy Cooper and Gretchen Heil and some beloved friends.

A celebration of Cleone's life will be on Saturday, December 9, 2023,at 11:00am at Park Hill United Methodist Church, 5209 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80207, followed by a reception.  In lieu of flowers, donations made in her honor to The Children's Center at Park Hill United Methodist Church or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration will be greatly appreciated.