Margo Kay Smith

It is with deep sadness -and immeasurable gratitude for the life she lived -that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister and friend, Margo K. Smith, on April 19, 2026.

Margo was born on February 5, 1939, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Mildred and Harold Carnell. She grew up alongside her older sister, Betty King, sharing a lifelong bond of family and love. From an early age, Margo stood out, not only for her striking beauty, but for her athleticism and vibrant spirit. She was an excellent athlete, playing basketball and field hockey in her youth, and carried that passion for activity throughout her life. As a very young girl, she loved nothing more than riding her horse, Fury. One Michigan winter, Fury slipped on ice landing directly on Margo, breaking her leg, but Margo got back in the saddle and got the two of them home. That was simply who she was. In later years, she loved annual ski trips with her kids, and excelled at tennis and golf, rising to club champion numerous times she continued to play for decades.

Margo attended Michigan State University before moving to Phoenix in 1961, where she soon built a life in Arizona. Though she possessed a beauty, modeling for publications such as Life Magazine, Arizona Highways and Goldwater’s, that could have carried her into the spotlight, Margo chose a different path, one rooted in love and family. She devoted herself to raising her five children, finding fulfillment in the lives she nurtured. By 1989, Margo experienced a whole new chapter of love and adventure in her 33-year marriage to Milton “Bud” Smith. Together they traveled the world, entertained warmly, and laughed often. She treasured her lifelong friendships with girlfriends, whom she considered irreplaceable, and always made a point to show up for the people she loved.

Life was not without its challenges, yet through it all she remained resilient and steadfast. She felt blessed to enjoy her many friendships and three generations of her family tree. Margo will be remembered not only for her extraordinary beauty, but for her strength of character and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in every life she touched.

Margo is survived by a large extended family: sister, Betty King, five children: Brad Marx, Wendy Cracchiolo, Mike Cracchiolo (Christine), Marianne Mago (James), and Andy Cracchiolo; fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. With her beloved of husband of 33 years, who pre-deceased her in 2022, Bud Smith, the two combined families. Margo’s life expanded with great joy and is also survived by her four stepsons, their spouses, and an additional 15 grandchildren, all beloved members of her extended family. Margo is preceded in death by her late husband and her parents, Mildred and Harold Carnell.

Her love and devotion will remain a blessing to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of life will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, on Sunday, May 3rd, at 11am for a viewing, with a 12pm program and a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Hospice of the Valley in Margo's memory.