Dates
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bonnie Jean Hayes Smith on June 5, 2025. Bonnie Jean was born on October 27, 1936, to B.F. Hayes and Gracie Bracken Hayes in San Saba, Texas.
When Bonnie was young, her family moved from San Saba to San Angelo, Texas, where she was raised with her two brothers, Kyle and Kenneth. It was in San Angelo she met her beloved husband, Andrew P. Smith. Bonnie and Andy were married January 15, 1958 and the pair have been notably inseparable ever since. The newlyweds took a brief honeymoon to San Antonio then moved to the Harris Family ranch outside of Big Lake, Texas. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Bonnie got straight to work fixing up the old ranch house known as the “Two Story.” Though it was no small feat, she conquered it with ease and turned it into their first family home. The following year, on June 7, 1959, Bonnie gave birth to their son, Andrew Paul Smith, Jr. The young family lived in Big Lake until 1963 before moving to the ranch in Water Valley. After spending a few years in Water Valley, Bonnie and Andy bought a house in town. Following their move to town, Clayton Hayes Smith was born on November 28, 1967 to complete their family.
Always known to be a meticulous housekeeper, Bonnie found the house in town a little easier to keep. Bonnie’s house was still frequented by plenty of cowboys stopping by to have a glass of her famous sweet tea, along with the occasional dogie lamb or border collie running through the house. Despite the dirty boots and dogs there was never a hair to be found or one thing out of place.
Bonnie’s adventurous spirit fueled her many passions in life. Bonnie enjoyed being Andy’s co-pilot, whether it be flying between ranches or flying to the casino in Ruidoso. It’s been noted that she was partial to the thrill of chasing deer just feet above the treeline. However, she would put up with flying at the safe altitude needed to get to the mountains as long as she could play a slot machine when they got there. Among their many adventures, fishing trips with friends and family were plenty. Bonnie was known for her passion for fishing and just as known for her dislike of seafood. She is quoted as saying the closest she would get to a shrimp is putting it on a hook to catch a catfish. And while she hated seafood, she never passed up a dessert! Her sweet tooth was legendary.
Bonnie and Andy were members of the First Christian Church. She was proud to have the entire Smith family join them for the Christmas Eve service every year. One could find Bonnie nestled in the middle of an entire pew full of Smith children and grandchildren. It was there that she and Andy became part of the Sunday school group that eventually became known as the “Wednesday Night Group” full of their beloved, closest friends.
Bonnie was also a devoted member of the Phila Club. She loved socializing with her friends and raising funds for many wonderful causes around San Angelo.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Gracie and B.F. Hayes, and her older brothers, Kenneth Hayes and Kyle Hayes and their wives.
Bonnie is survived by sons Andy Smith, Jr. (and wife, Shana), Clayton Smith (and wife, Tamie), her grandchildren Justin Smith, Madelyn Smith, Will Smith (and wife, Ashley), and Ross Smith. Bonnie was a great-grandmother to Will and Ashley’s young sons Sutton and Shaw Smith. She also had many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
The family extends their deepest gratitude and heart felt appreciation to all of the exceptional care staff.
Bonnie Jean Hayes Smith will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
A service in remembrance of Bonnie will be held at Fairmont Cemetery on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Following the burial, lunch will take place at Grace Christian Church formerly known as the First Christian Church in downtown San Angelo, Texas. Memorials can be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in San Angelo.