Florine Smith

Florine Smith, born October 16, 1948, in Mescalero, New Mexico to Charles Smith, Sr. and Addie Tissnolthtos. Florine passed away on March 23, 2026, in El Paso, Texas.

Florine is survived by her brother Charles Smith, Jr. and her children; Kristi LaPaz, Kathryn Rocha, Darron Valdez and Annette Smith and her grandchildren; Jeremiah Zuazua, Jamal Rocha, Matias LaPaz, Kenan G. Zuazua, George J. Rocha, Jarien LaPaz, Kaleena Zuazua, Kaylionna Rocha, Kolin Zuazua, Karyssa Zuazua, Shaidyn LaPaz, Kobe Zuazua, Wyvern Rocha, and Darron Valdez, Jr. and her great grandchildren; Kaydriel Torres, Devony Rocha and Amaya Zuazua. Her Great nieces; Olivia Smith and Ophelia Prins, and numerous other family members and friends.

Florine is preceded in death by her Parents; Charles Smith, Sr., and Addie Tissnolthos. Her sons; Wyvern Zuazua and Kenan C. J. Zuazua. Her siblings; a loving sister Olivia Essary, Anastasia Smith Kanseah, Ophelia Smith, Ambrose Smith.

Florine lived in Mescalero most of her life. Florine attended school in Whitetail, Ruidoso, and Albuquerque Indian School. Florine also attended college in San Francisco, California. And continued her college education at ENMU Ruidoso.

A dedicated and caring mother who raised her children independently, had profound affection for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She frequently expressed her admiration for her loved ones. Her presence was marked by kindness and warmth. Florine was an accomplished Apache cradle board maker, crafting numerous cradles for the Mescalero community. She ensured the tradition's continuation by teaching her children the craft, thereby preserving the cultural heritage. She took pleasure in gathering materials from the forest for the cradle boards.

She worked many jobs in Mescalero and Ruidoso area. Most recently, Florine had the opportunity to work as an Apache Language teacher at Ruidoso Schools, primarily at Sierra Vista Primary. She was enthusiastic about teaching young children their native language. Florine worked closely with her colleague, the late Trudy Gaines. She treasured interacting with the children and preserving the Mescalero culture and language.

Also, she worked as a Fire Lookout at the Towers, she worked on the Reservation for the Mescalero Forestry. She loved working outdoors, appreciating its tranquility, beauty, and prioritized protecting the land.

Additionally, Florine worked for the Mescalero Tribal Human Services where she enjoyed supporting her colleagues in a clerical position. Florine also had a long tenure working in Medical Records at the Indian Health Service.

She enjoyed playing Mexican cards and the occasional dice game farko with family and friends, as well as playing slots at the Casino. She appreciated nature and would often take rides and hikes through the forest. Florine cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, constantly reminding them of her love which was limitless.

Funeral services will be held in her honor on March 30, 2026, at St. Joseph Apache Mission in Mescalero, New Mexico. Rosary at 9:00 am and the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Burial to follow church services at Mescalero Cemetery.