Leslie K. Smith

Leslie K. Smith, 51, of Eagle River, Alaska, passed away on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her children, family, and longtime caregivers. A longtime Anchorage area resident, she fought a courageous nine-year battle with ALS, drawing strength from her deep love for her children.

Born on November 14, 1974, in Traverse City, Michigan, to Richard and Shirley Smith, Leslie grew up in Eagle River and the Anchorage area. She graduated from Dimond High School in 1993 and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. In 1996 she began working for Alaska Airlines, later transitioning in 2002 to a customer service role in the Alaska oil and gas industry with Furie Alaska, where she remained until her diagnosis in 2017.

Leslie was a devoted mother who cherished traveling with her family and close friends, especially to Hawaii and Rome. She loved hosting and attending parties, camping, and planning vacations. Her vibrant personality lit up every room she entered. Known for her kindness and generosity, she had a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for. Even after she could no longer speak, her sparkling brown eyes conveyed her love and warmth more clearly than words ever could. Her wicked sense of humor and inspiring strength touched everyone around her, including her dedicated medical team and caregivers.

She is survived by her five children, Alex Degraffenreid (Theresa), Riley and Makena Smith, Katelynn Quintana (Jenoi and three grandchildren), and Kyle Smith; her parents, Richard Smith (Alice) and Shirley Smith; her sisters, Lynn Wiggins (Dan), Laurie Abold (Mike), and Lisa Winzenburg (Clint); nieces Joslyn Cascio, Haley Provinsal, Kirsten Morrow, Danielle Pond, and Jaydin Miller; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. Her family remains forever grateful to Steve and Sandra Lambert, who lovingly cared for her in their home over the final two years of her life.