Melanie Bates Smith, age 76, passed away in Broomfield, Colorado on December 17, 2023. 

Born April 30, 1947 in Odessa, Texas, Melanie was the daughter of John and Barbara (Conner) Bates. Melanie lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma much of her early life, attending Edison High School, where she was elected Miss Edison. She attended Smith College in Massachusetts, then worked for the Peace Corps in Washington D.C. Following this, she lived in Singapore, returning to Tulsa and marrying James Keelty Smith in 1973. 

After having three children in Tulsa, Melanie and Keelty moved to the beautiful mountain town of Gunnison, Colorado, where they had their fourth child. During her time in Gunnison, Melanie earned her masters degree in psychology and worked as a psychotherapist and international adoption agent for many years. 

Melanie enjoyed reading, hiking, cross-country skiing, sailing, camping, and interior design. Mostly, however, Melanie loved and prided herself on being a wonderful mother. Melanie immersed herself in motherhood, and was dedicated to her children’s happiness and well-being. All her children had deep connections to her throughout their lives. 

Melanie is survived by her sister, Belinda Bates Posey, her husband James Keelty Smith, her son Ryan (Christina) Smith, son Christopher (Nicole) Smith, daughter Caroline Smith, daughter Hilary (Ted) Lin, and six grandchildren, Oliver, Colin, Ethan, Kai, Aiden and Arabella.  Melanie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John Bates.  

Services will be held at 1:00 PM, January 6, 2024 at The Establishment at Bradburn Village, 11885 Bradburn Boulevard, Westminster, CO 80031. Relatives and friends are welcome.