In Loving memory of Margaret Adeline Smith Heringa

Margaret Adeline Smith Heringa
(November 2, 1931 – February 24, 2021)
Margaret Adeline Smith Heringa, age 89, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. in her home surrounded by her three daughters, and beloved animals.
She was born November 2, 1931 to Earl T. and Addie Mae McAuliffe Smith in Raton, NM. Her avid love for animals began early when she was followed around the neighborhood by her dog and cat. She enjoyed helping her father on their ranch riding horses, driving wagon teams, and working cattle.
Margaret was an accomplished tennis and basketball player at Raton High School. After graduation, she attended Loretto Height’s College in Denver, Co., where “Smitty” added Roman riding (standing on two horses tied together) to her continued sports accomplishments. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1953.
Margaret married John William Heringa on January 9, 1955, and moved to Perico Ranch near Clayton, NM, where they raised three successful daughters. When her marriage ended in 1995, Margaret blossomed, running both Perico Ranch and her family ranch, the Cross Diamond, on the south side of Johnson Mesa near Raton, with the help of her daughter, Judy, and various cowgirls and cowboys from the area.
She eventually moved to live full-time at the Raton Ranch, where she had many adventures, riding on horses and 4-wheelers, tending her cattle, and loving all the wildlife. She felt privileged to be a “Caretaker of God’s Land”.
She served 2 terms on the Union County Hospital Board and was a member of the NM Cattle Grower’s Association, as were her parents.
She loved her family with her whole heart and touched each member deeply. In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by one sister: Virginia Mary Smith Harkness. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Loretta and Donny Butler, Judy and Ken Moore, and Mary and Dennis Nolan;
Grandchildren, Jami Butler Pohl and husband Doug, and Brett Butler and fiance Britni Thompson; and her great-grandchild, Cameron Pohl.
Deepest gratitude to Robin Pilley with Anvoi Compassionate Hospice Care, Dr. Zmily and his extended staff, especially the Pro Health Nurses for their guidance and compassion.
A rosary will be said Tuesday, March 2, at 6:00 p.m. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home followed by a mass on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Raton Humane Society, P.O. Box 1321, Raton, NM, 87740, or the charity of your choice.