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Smith’s Children Dazzle with $707K Estate Donation to the City

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Smith’s kids donate $707K Villages estate to city

The Smith family has taken a significant step to honor the legacy of their late father, Maricopa pioneer John Smith. Today, they announced the donation of the family estate located at 20864 N. Smith Farms Road to the city of Maricopa, intending for it to become a historical facility.

John Smith passed away peacefully on September 1st at his home. In a heartfelt celebration of life held at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center, his children—Jim, Jack, Matt, Mark Smith, and Lisa Balcer—shared their decision to transform the 2.5-acre estate into a public gathering place.

Friends of the family revealed that Smith’s wife, Mary Lou, is currently residing in an assisted-living facility in Chandler. The farmhouse itself was constructed in 1955 and has since served as a pivotal gathering spot for the family and the community.

“As a family, we are donating the farmhouse to the city of Maricopa to use as a historical facility,” Balcer stated in front of family, friends, and city officials. Her words underscored the family’s commitment to maintaining the site as a community hub.

“That house was a gathering place for probably everybody in this room at some time or another, and we want it to be a gathering place for Maricopa,” Jack Smith added, highlighting the importance of the estate to many.

According to the Pinal County Assessor’s Office, the property, located in The Villages at Rancho El Dorado, has an assessed value of $707,300.

This announcement marks a pivotal moment in preserving the Smith family’s heritage while fostering community connections in Maricopa.