Milton R. Smith

Milton R. Smith, 79, of Laramie passed away December 27, 2025 in Laramie, Wyoming.  Milton was born June 23, 1946 in Denver, Colorado to Harold H. and Elizabeth (Wright) Smith.  Milton was the 5th child out of 6.  He grew up on his family wheat farm East of Aurora, Colorado.  

Milton grew up going to a country school with his cousins that all lived in the same area.  He graduated in 1964 from Central High School in Aurora, Colorado.  Through the years, his parents bought several ranches, and he helped them with all that ranch work entails.  They bought the Spring Creek Ranch southwest of Laramie and lived there for 10 years.  

In 1970, Milton custom hayed for Ralph Case at the Goetz Ranch.  He met Rhonda Thornburg there. She was cooking for the hay crew that summer. Milton and Rhonda were married the next summer, June 4, 1971.  Milton and Rhonda had two sons, Will and Lane.  Milton had various ranch jobs, lived on the Flying Lazy Lee that Twin Pine Ranch owned. Will and Lane grew up and graduated from Wheatland High School.  Twin Pine eventually sold the Flying Lazy Lee.  At that time Milton and Rhonda moved back to Laramie, and Milton worked for The Wyoming Highway Department for a couple of years, then went to work for Albany County Road and Bridge as a Heavy Equipment operator.  Milton retired from Road and Bridge in 2018, however, he still helped the county mow the ditches along county roads for 7 more years in the late summer and fall.  

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, his son Lane, nephews Tim and Jake, sister Nancy, and brothers Wayne and Donald. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rhonda.  Son Will Smith MD (Janice), two grandchildren Ally and Zack Smith of Jackson, Wyoming.  Brother Harold (Sharon) Smith of Loveland, Colorado.  Sister Irene Adamson of Whitehall, Montana.  Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nephews and great nieces.  

Milton will be missed by so many people that loved him.  He was known for being a quiet, honest, hardworking man. He loved ranching and never gave up his love for it.  

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.