Diann Tenney Smith

Diann Tenney Smith of Elgin, Tx, passed away Sunday, January 25th, 2026 at age 81. Diann was preceded in death by her father, U.S Airforce Colonel Frank L. Tenney and her beloved mother, Janice Rodgers.

Diann had a life well lived. She was a free, roaming spirit. She travelled all throughout her lifetime. After College, Diann joined Pan Am Airlines as a stewardess. Her Pam Am adventures inspired her to start a travel agency in the Chicago area. She enjoyed organizing overseas trips and loved when she went with her client groups as their tour guide.

Diann’s next adventure was selling Yellow Page ads for South Western Bell. She worked in the Chicago area, but longed for warmer weather. She took out a map of the U.S., searched Texas and decided central Texas was for her. She called a realtor in Elgin, flew down here and bought her farm on the West side of Elgin. It was her forever home and she loved it. As luck would have it, South Western Bell needed a representative to handle the central Texas area and they gave the position to Diann. She was very good in this position and was a top achiever and sales rep.

Diann was an accomplished horse breeder and show jumper. She was passionate about her horses and her German Shepherd dogs. Over the years so many people were fortunate to have had the opportunity to adopt her loving and handsome German Shepherd puppies. That gave Diann immense joy.

Diann joined the Elgin Citizens Police Academy and she encouraged her friends to join as well. She had great respect for Police Officers, especially the local Elgin Police officers. She also respected and proudly supported the members of the U.S. Military.

Diann is survived by many friends, including her longtime friends in the Red Hats Society. They met every month and enjoyed each other’s company. She also had three Heart Sisters in whom she placed trust that they would watch over her, if and when her health failed. The three Heart Sisters were honored to fill that roll and they took great care of Diann during her final years. They loved her, supported her and protected her. They were there every time Diann needed something. We all miss Diann, but we rejoice knowing that she is now pain free and in the arms of her eternal Father- God, in whom she had trust.

A celebration of Diann’s life will take place in the very near future.

Special thank you to the kind care-team members at SPJST Memory Care Home in Taylor.

Special thank you also to the Hospice Care Team members from Gentiva in Georgetown. They were absolutely wonderful. They made Diann’s passing easier for her and also for her friends who needed guidance and reassurance that Diann was on the right path to her eternal home.