Winnemucca resident Irma Lee Carvajal died Aug. 1, 2013, just four days after celebrating her 55th birthday at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev., following a brief illness.
Irma was born on July 28, 1958, to parents Roy Smartt and Alberta Abel Brown. Irma was the granddaughter of George Smartt Jr. and Jessi Barr Abel. Irma was the youngest of five children.
Irma lived the majority of her life in Humboldt County, and attended most of her younger educational years at local Humboldt County Schools. Irma also attended Stewart Indian School in Stewart, Nev., and also Sherman School in Riverside, Calif. It is here Irma began and entered the workforce.
Irma held various positions in the local labor force. Her love for the hospitality business was apparent, as she held numerous positions for several local hotels.
After over 14 years at the Winners Hotel and Casino, Irma went to work for Newmont - Midas Operations, and it was here until her retirement in 2005 that she enjoyed working. After retirement, Irma decided to stay home, and continue caring for her family and her grandchildren.
Irma is survived by her father, Roy Smartt of Elko, Nev.; aunts Jeraldine Abel of Redding, Calif.; Thalia Dick of Fallon, Nev.; brothers Leslie and Roland Smartt of Winnemucca, Nev.; sisters Valma Smartt and Willeen Brown of Winnemucca, Nev.; Lovelle Camas of Owyhee, Nev.; children, Carlos and Roy Sanchez of Sparks, Nev.; Jesse Sanchez and Ian Carvajal of Winnemucca, Nev., and daughter Cherelyn Vazquez also of Winnemucca, Nev. Irma is also survived by several grandchildren whom she adored with all of her heart and numerous nieces and nephews as well. Irma was preceded in death by her mother Alberta Abel Brown; sons Alex and Brian Sanchez and older brother Burdette Smartt.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Word of Light Fellowship, located at 4505 Center Street, in Winnemucca, Nev., on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at 12 p.m. Following the internment at the Winnemucca Cemetery, a potluck-style reception will be held at the church; food donations are appreciated.
The family of Irma would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Humboldt General Hospital and EMT Services, Renown Regional Medical Center ICU Division, the staff of Truckee Meadows Cremation and Burial in Reno, Nev., and also the staff of the Fort McDermitt Tribe in Fort McDermitt, Nev.
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