Russ Smith passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025 in his home following a short illness.

Born November 2, 1937 to Clarence & Lilly Smith in Richmond, Indiana, he lived in Indiana until he turned 18. Following high school he joined Army with his cousin Joey and together they sought out to see the world. They were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany for the next three years.

Following his discharge, he was offered a job working construction with his uncle Russel in San Diego. Eventually, he moved to San Luis Obispo and worked as a prison guard at the Calif. Men's Colony. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Cal Poly while helping raise two small boys and working at the prison nights.

Russ was then hired by the California Department of Corrections and worked as a State Parole Agent in Salinas, Ca. for the next 25 years. Following his retirement, Russ and his wife, Cheri, moved to Truckee, Ca., where they enjoyed skiing, hiking and fishing and made many lifelong friends.

After six years of shoveling snow, Russ and Cheri decided to buy an RV and see the country. They traveled for two years and eventually discovered Green Valley and have resided here the past 22 years.

Russ played golf with the Lund group for many years and enjoyed Pickleball when it first started up in Green Valley. He also looked forward to his COPS breakfast the first Monday of every month and his Board Meetings at the Legion on Friday afternoons with his buddies, Russ and Cheri have been very active in the Arizona Opera League for many years.

Russ is remembered by his wife, Cheri, of 45 years and his sons, Mike (Dominique) Dave (Joan) and granddaughters, Ellie, 18, and Ava, 13, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Russ will be remembered for his warm and outgoing personality. He was a great friend and wonderful husband and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for next fall.