Tragedy on Southgrade Road claims Alpine woman’s life

Andrea “Andy” Smith, loved her dogs and she loved walking them at Wright’s Field.  On June 22, while crossing Southgrade Road, to enter Wright’s Field with two of her dogs in tow, she died as a result of a tragic auto/pedestrian accident. Many knew Andy, by appearance only, from her daily excursions at the field.  Many were shocked and dismayed at the news of her sudden passing.

Andrea “Andy” Smith, loved her dogs and she loved walking them at Wright’s Field.  On June 22, while crossing Southgrade Road, to enter Wright’s Field with two of her dogs in tow, she died as a result of a tragic auto/pedestrian accident. Many knew Andy, by appearance only, from her daily excursions at the field.  Many were shocked and dismayed at the news of her sudden passing.
Andy was born on December 13, 1951 and raised in Greeley, Colorado. There, she attended College/University High School until her graduation in 1970. In August of 1971, she married her elementary, junior high and high school sweetheart, Kirk Montgomery. She then moved to San Diego in 1971 to join her husband, who had enlisted in the US Navy. They lived in San Diego until 1976 when they bought their current home in Alpine California.
Andy worked as an Animal Health Technician and was the office manager of the old Emergency Animal Clinic in Mission Valley until 1980, when she decided to stay home to raise their three precious children, Tyla, Shayne, and Drew (Chuck).
As her family grew older, Andy pursued a career as a Respiratory Therapist. She started working at Rady’s Children Hospital in 1989 and worked there until her retirement in January of 2016. Her greatest satisfaction came from the quality care she was able to provide her patients. She was a regular volunteer at Asthma Camp held in Julian each year, (SCAMP CAMP), where for over 20 years, she unselfishly provided treatments for its visiting youngsters.
Andy’s most recent pleasure came when she discovered Wright’s Field in Alpine. There, she became a daily hiker, taking two of her four dogs with her on her adevntures. She loved spoiling her pets, including four dogs, one cat, three parrots, a flock of chickens and four goats. Her most recent hobby was soap making, which she generously shared with family and friends.
Andy is survived by her husband Kirk, daughter Tyla (Montgomery) Soylu and her husband Soner of San Diego, two sons, Shayne and Drew Montgomery , both of Alpine, a sister, Jean Wyman of Oceanside, California, and three brothers. Bill Smith of Salt Lake City, Utah, Carl and Tom Smith of Greeley, Colorado.
Family and friends will be hosting a celebration for Andy at the Alpine Community Center on Saturday, July 23, 2016, from 10:00am – 12:00pm.  The Alpine community is welcome to stop by, especially residents who may have passed her on her daily walks in Wright’s Field.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests that donations be made to Wright’s Field, managed by the Back Country Land Trust, where donations help fund ongoing maintenance to keep the preserve safe and user-friendly for the Alpine community.
Please visit: www.backcountrylandtrust.org to make a secure donation.  Donations will also be accepted at Andy’s celebration.