Ashland--- Natalie Bartlett Smith, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at a nursing care facility in Skowhegan, Maine. She was born on August 3, 1944, the daughter of Jonathan Bartlett and Harriet (Boucher) Bartlett. When Natalie was two years old, her father, Johnathan, died. Her mother was remarried to Arthur "Art" Rafford, who became her stepfather and raised Natalie as his own daughter.

Natalie graduated from Ashland High School in 1962 and attended the Aroostook State Teacher's College in Presque Isle, Maine, where she earned a degree in Education. She met the love of her life, Malcolm "Bunky" Smith, while working as a waitress at "Paul's" restaurant in Ashland. They were married and soon had a son, Alan, who died in infancy. She and Bunky went on to have two more children, a daughter, Katie and a son, Ted.

Natalie enjoyed a long and rewarding career teaching third grade at the Ashland Elementary School, as well as two years teaching 7th grade English at Ashland Junior High School. She always said, "I never worked a day in my life". She truly felt that way as her love for teaching and for children made her job a joy. She retired from teaching after 30 years to spend more time with her three grandchildren and to enjoy one of her favorite pastimes, sitting on her front porch.

Natalie was a beloved teacher who, even in retirement, continued to enjoy letters and "porch visits" from many of her former students. It was not unusual for her to hear the words, "You were my favorite teacher", and it always made her cry. Her legacy will live on, not only through her children and grandchildren, but through the countless lives that she affected in a positive way. She was a kind, loving and generous person who persevered through difficult times with a smile. She had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them having fun and playing pranks. She loved to laugh, and she spread laughter and love wherever she was.

Natalie is survived by her two children; daughter Katie DiFrederico and husband Louis of Millinocket and son Theros "Ted" Smith and wife Pamela of Pittsfield; three beloved grandchildren, Jack DiFrederico, Olivia Smith, and Sophia Smith; a sister, Patti Rafford; and a brother Leo Rafford. She will be dearly missed by her nephew, Adam Rafford, two nieces, Erica Rafford Noyes and Melissa Rafford, as well as many special cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, an infant son, and her beloved husband of 53 years, Bunky.

Katie and Ted would sincerely like to thank the staff at Sweet Seniors in East Millinocket, as well as the staff at Woodlawn Rehabilitation in Skowhegan, for the compassionate care they gave to Natalie during the last two years of her life.

There will be a graveside service for Natalie at the Ashland Municipal Cemetery on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11am. All are welcome to attend. A luncheon will follow at the Ashland Rec Center.