Margo Ilda Pena Smith Obituary

Margo Ilda Peña Smith October 30, 1944 – February 28, 2026 
 Margo Ilda Peña Smith, 81, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Eastland, Texas. 
 Born on October 30, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, to Santiago and Flora Peña, Margo was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, before her family settled in Abilene, Texas, where she built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community. 
 A proud graduate of Abilene High School, Margo continued her education at Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University. She began her career with the Abilene Police Department before dedicating 35 years of service to Southwestern Bell. She was an active member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), reflecting her strong work ethic and commitment to her colleagues. 
 On March 18, 1977, she married the love of her life, Thomas Smith. Together they built a family grounded in devotion and resilience. 
 Margo was a woman of remarkable presence — tenacious, hilarious, driven, and deeply dedicated to those she loved. In 1963, she was crowned Fiesta Queen in Abilene in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, a reflection of her vibrant spirit and pride in her heritage. She was Margo was a woman of remarkable presence — tenacious, hilarious, driven, and deeply dedicated to those she loved. In 1963, she was crowned Fiesta Queen in Abilene in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, a reflection of her vibrant spirit and pride in her heritage. She was politically engaged and proud to have attended the inaugurations of President Bill Clinton and Governor Ann Richards as a delegate, where she also volunteered her time assisting with phone banks. engaged and proud to have attended the inaugurations of President Bill Clinton and Governor Ann Richards as a delegate, where she also volunteered her time assisting with phone banks. 
 Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Ranger and previously Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abilene. She also served faithfully with the Women’s Altar Society at St. Rita’s. 
 Margo was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, William “Billy” Smith; her brothers, Rolando and Roger Peña; and her sister, Irma Peña. 
 She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Smith; her children: Jennifer Mink and husband Patrick; Kathy Smith; Dolores “DeDe” Slemmons and partner Tyler Phillips; James Smith and wife Kerri; and Dustin Smith. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Joseph Carrillo, Robin Lyons, Ryan Crozier, Hayden Slemmons, Evan Slemmons, Stevie Smith, and Harlow Phillips. She is further survived by her sister, Irene Escobedo, and her brother, Santiago “Jimmy” Peña Sr., along with many extended family members and dear friends. 
 Margo will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her strong will, her beautiful presence, and her incredible sense of humor. She had a way of filling a room with warmth and joy, and her legacy of strength and love will live on through her family. 
 Visitation will be held Wednesday at 6:00pm followed by a Rosary at 7:00 at the Edwards Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Ranger, Texas. Burial will follow at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene at 1:00pm.