Dates
Alma Ingham Smart was born on September 3, 1940, in McCamey, Texas, and passed away peacefully
November 22, 2024. Alma was a steadfast pillar of her community where she was involved in the formation of the Edwards Co. EMS and served as an EMT in that organization for many years. In 1979, she and her husband, Neville, were named the Man and Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Alma also served on the Soil and Water Conservation Service board and served as a district director as well. She was a member of the Rocksprings Woman’s Club for over 60 years and served as president of that organization. Alma was also honored by being named the Rocksprings Old Settler’s Queen for 2011. She was a busy lady in her community, embodying the spirit of a true ranch woman. Her nurturing nature and culinary skills brought joy to many, especially during the holiday season when she would deliver her famous Christmas Tree cookies and homemade chocolate fudge to her friends and business establishments, and there was never a birthday without her tasty Red Velvet Cake! Alma had a life-long commitment to her church which was paralleled by her devotion to the Methodist Church in Rocksprings where she was a member for over 60 years.
Alma graduated from high school in Ozona, Texas, and pursued higher education at Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College before transferring to San Angelo College where she met the love of her life, Neville Smart, Jr. These two lovebirds were married 7 months later and not long after, began their family. Alma and Neville celebrated over 50 years of marriage living 35 miles southwest of Rocksprings on the banks of the West Prong of the Nueces River. At the age of 83, Alma had still been an integral part of the business and decision-making process of the family ranch and cherished the fact that her son and daughter would continue the legacy of caring for a ranch that is now going on its sixth generation since establishment of over100 years ago.
Known affectionately as “Mita” by her grandchildren, Alma hosted the much-loved “Mita’s Boot Camp” during the summers, a testament to the incredible love she held for her grandchildren. Her grandsons can probably still envision her stomping on their hats if they dared to walk into the house with them on. And no one could leave the premises until their teeth were brushed and their beds made. Mita would wake her grandchildren and children up each morning with, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She cherished her life on the ranch, always looking for ways to improve the land and caring for her goats and cows, which were an integral part of her daily life. Born and raised on the family ranch near the Pecos River prepared and molded her into the resilient, hard-working ranch woman she was.
In over 5o years of marriage, Alma and Neville withstood extreme drought, floods and tragedy and yet, stood firm in their faith and belief that every day was a gift. Today, during a time of historic drought, game ranches boasting “great exotic hunts”, predators, and the subdividing of family ranches, it’s a difficult time for the old settlers of Edwards County to maintain their old way of life, yet progressive in their way of thinking. Alma, along with her husband, as well as many settlers who have called Edwards County their home for many years have endured it all and yet continued to love the land that their ancestors claimed over 100 years ago. Trey and Jo Beth Smart, Diane and Herb Heflin and her grandchildren give thanks to this incredible woman for hanging on, for enduring through tough times, and giving them the opportunity to proudly be a part of a 6th generation ranching family.
Alma is preceded in death by her husband, Neville Smart, Jr. ; daughter, DeeAnne Smart Hunn; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Ingham Jr.; brother, Buddy Ingham; sister, Judy Ingham; and her mother and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Neville Smart, Sr.
Alma is survived by her son, Trey Smart and daughter-in-law Jo Beth; daughter Diane Heflin and son-in-law Herb; grandchildren Les Heflin and wife, Madalynn; Ashley Hickman and husband, Marcus; Dalton Smart, Shelby Williams and husband, Koby; Cliff Hunn and wife Yuliana, Lonn Hunn and wife Keri. And she is a proud great grandmother of almost 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephew, Ben Ingham and wife, Sherry, niece Louise Ingham Moore, and very precious great-nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her, and finally Alma’s beloved and loyal ranch hand of over 30 years, Natalio Adame.
Paul Bearers include grandsons Cliff Hunn, Lon Hunn, Les Heflin, Dalton Smart, Marcus Hickman and Koby Williams.
Honorary Paul Bearers are Judge Souli Shanklin, Jake Shanklin, Ben Ingham, Jay McNealy, Lane Coston and Hunter Moffett.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Methodist Church of Rocksprings, Texas or Edwards County EMS, organizations that were close to Alma’s heart.
Alma’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of love for her family, grandchildren and community. Her generous legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and benefited from her generous heart.
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First United Methodist Church - Rocksprings, TX
208 W Austin St.
Rocksprings, TX 78880