Elaine A. Smith

Elaine A. Smith, 86, a Reno resident for the past 37 years, died Oct. 18, 2005.

She was born Aug. 21, 1919, in Covelo, Calif., to Bruce and Ella Henderson.

Mrs. Smith and her family owned and operated the D bar M Western Store in Reno and the Hitchin' Post Western Store in Carson City. She retired from the businesses in the late 1980s to become more active in her ranching business.

She was active in raising quarter horses at the family ranch in Washoe Valley.

She was an accomplished horsewoman and proud of her award-winning quarter horses.

She was a member of the Nevada Reined Cow and Cutting Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association and the Order of the Eastern Star, Augusta Chapter, Covelo.

Among her survivors are her daughter and son-in-law Sonya and Dave Schuler; son and daughter-in-law Jack and Judy Bassett; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended-family members.

A memorial service will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Arthritis Foundation, 3040 Explorer Drive, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95820.