Former Natrona County Assessor Connie Smith died Monday, just a couple days after her retirement became formal.

Smith, 63, announced her retirement for health reasons in early March, effective March 31.

Smith was appointed to the position after the resignation of former Assessor Susan DeWitt in 2013. She was elected in 2014, and would have been up for re-election this fall.

The Natrona County Commission on March 21 appointed Deputy Assistant Assessor Tammy Saulsbury to serve the rest of Smith's term ending early 2019. Saulsbury was among three people who applied with the Natrona County Republican Party for the vacancy.
Saulsbury said at the time the work of the office will continue, but will be emotionally hard.

"Always, Connie's in our thoughts," she said. "None of us wanted it to go down this way. We'll continue the office running just like she would have wanted it running. We'll continue to streamline and do our best work flow and continue our customer service."

According to Smith's obituary from the Newcomer Funeral Home, she was born Connie Gardner on Jan. 7, 1955, graduated from Natrona County High School in 1973, and married her high school sweetheart Charles Smith, Jr., a year later.

Smith is survived by her husband, two daughters and 11 grandchildren, according to the obituary.

A celebration of her life will be held at Highland Park Community Church, 5725 Highland Drive, at 11 a.m. Saturday.

More From Rock 96.7