Melody Smith

In Loving Memory of Melody Rygaard Smith
August 20, 1948 – March 28, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Melody Rygaard Smith, who left this world on March 28, 2025. Melody was a woman of immense kindness, selflessness, and strength. With a heart as vast as the ocean she loved so dearly, she touched countless lives through her unwavering love for her family and her years of devoted service in nursing.

Melody was born in Galveston, Texas on August 20, 1948, to Quentius Vincent Rygaard and Marie Sampier Rygaard. She graduated from Ball High School, Class of 1966, where she was a proud member of the PEG Sorority. She maintained a lifelong bond with her PEG sisters, a treasured connection that brought her joy throughout her life. In 1976, she pursued her passion for helping others by attending Galveston College and becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Throughout her nursing career, Melody served as a Life Flight nurse and later as a nurse manager in skilled nursing facilities. Her care, courage, and dedication made a lasting impact on patients and colleagues alike.

She was a nurturing mother who raised her children with patience and grace. Melody was always there - with a listening ear or a warm hug.

Melody is now reunited with her beloved husband, Michael Freeman Smith; cherished daughter, Michelle Marie Robertson Glickman; parents; brothers, Wayne Vinvent Rygaard and Kincy Donnell Rygaard; brothers-in-law, Patrick Smith and Paul Barnett. There is comfort in knowing they are together again.

She leaves behind her loving children: sons, Christopher Vincent Robertson and wife Natalie, and Randy Lynn Robertson, Jr. and wife Jessica; daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Smith Evans and husband Scott; and son-in-law Clark Glickman; sister-in-law, Cosette Barnett and brother-in-law, Antone Venable. She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Caleb Robertson, Abby Evans, Austin Glickman, Grace Evans, Davis Evans, Carter Glickman, Matthew Evans, and Ryder Robertson. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends - each of whom carries a piece of her spirit forward.

It was Melody’s wish to be cremated and to have her ashes joined with her husband’s and spread on Virginia Point, near Galveston, Texas—a place close to her heart and filled with memories of love, family, and peace.

Melody's warmth, generosity, and spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She made the world a softer place simply by being in it. Her absence is deeply felt, but her love remains, woven into the hearts of her family and friends.

She leaves behind an unchained melody of love, echoing in the hearts of those who will forever miss her.