Alice O Smith's Obituary
Alice O. Smith, 85, of Bountiful, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2015, surrounded by family. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8th at the Canyon Park Ward building, 1190 E. Bountiful Hills Dr., Bountiful, UT. Viewing will be on Sunday, June 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the Church.
Family Memories of Alice:
RICHARD N. SMITH, HUSBAND
Alice has and will always be the love and center part of my life. Watching Alice go downhill and yet cling on to life so tenaciously has been a very touching experience for me. The privilege for me, after so many years of shared joys and wonderful experiences, to now be her primary caregiver has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have looked into her eyes so many times and always felt her precious spirit. Now that Alice has taken her final earthly step, her spirit is no longer encumbered by her mortal body, she is now able to continue with her on-going progress. This includes preparing the way for me for the time when we will be together again. I know that Alice is now enjoying the process of getting re-acquainted with her precious family members who have passed on before.
I saw Alice for the first time (in about 1956) as she was “flying” down the steps of the Logan 4th Ward chapel. I had been lined up for a blind date, set-up by one of her sorority sisters, to dance with her in an MIA dance. Alice was a very talented dancer. In her senior year at Davis High School, Alice was chosen to be the sole dancer in the operetta “The Merry Widow”. On the contrary side, I lacked any dancing skills and had difficulty in even reversing direction but Alice somehow put up with me.
Alice was a very talented elementary school teacher. She taught kindergarten through the 2nd grade in Bountiful, San Francisco and Logan. Her last teaching position was at the Edith Bowen School (formerly the Whittier School) located on the campus of Utah State University. Alice was the last kindergarten teacher at the Whittier School before it was moved to the USU campus. I also attended kindergarten at the Whittier School…but not at the same time. Alice had plans for continuing her schooling with the objective of getting her Master’s Degree in teaching and working with exceptional children.
We have been blessed with seven children. It took a while to get started but on Feb. 4, 1964 Carolyn came into our life. There have been painful and difficult experiences for Alice as we raised our family, but Alice never complained even during the periods of intense discomfort. Marie was our 3rd child and only remained on this earth for 2 months – but she accomplished her purpose of gaining a mortal body, and if I close my eyes and project my innermost thoughts I can visualize Alice and Marie together again. All deliveries were accomplished during the same day, except for Mark. In his case it required a prolonged stay in St. Mark’s Hospital. Mark finally arrived and the next day. Dr. Trowbridge, the great “country doctor” who delivered all of our children said to us “have you decided on a name for this boy?” When we said “No” he responded “I suggest that you name him caboose”. He, like Alice, always had a knack for injecting humor with his message.
Alice liked to travel and she was the best travelling companion. We have traveled from Hawaii to Florida and many points in between. Our most memorable trip was “Christmas in the Holy Land” with Jim and Diane Matthews as our guides. At first it was difficult to convince Alice that we should go on this trip, especially at Christmastime, but when Alice was told that a trip to Egypt could be included she said “Let’s go”. This turned out to be a fantastic trip. Alice was the best example of someone both enjoying the trip herself while adding humor for the whole group.
I was born in Logan and after graduating from Utah State University, I found employment in Salt Lake City. By the time I met Alice she was teaching school in Logan. I dated Alice over a four year period driving back and forth to and from Logan to “help” Alice with “setting up her classroom” and enjoying her company. It took me this extended period to “convince” Alice that we should get married, knowing that she would have to fore-go getting her Master’s Degree. Alice finally consented to accept my marriage proposal. We were married in the Logan Temple on August 2, 1960 on my birthday (this was the ideal birthday present).
Alice was a very good swimmer. She performed as a member of the swim team doing water ballet maneuvers. Alice would go into the Deseret Gym (which was located where the Conference Center is now located). Alice would swim laps starting with the letter “a” and she reached “z” she would swim her laps doing the alphabet backwards. The Deseret Gym had a hot pool for relaxing and a very cold pool for invigorating. Periodically Alice would spot a man in the hot pool with his eyes closed and very relaxed. She would fill her swimming mask with “very cold water” and tip-toe over to this man and pour the cold water on his head and then dart away a safe distance and then watch the “look of consternation..” I think this was an inherited trait from Alice’s father who was well-known for playing pranks on the unsuspecting!
Alice has always had a sense of exercising good judgment in making the right decisions in times of crisis. One time she was driving with our children in the car when the brakes failed and she made the right decision to steer the car to just the right place to slow and stop without injury and only minor damage to the car. In another instance Alice was driving and we were on a two lane highway. We were in the process of passing a large semi-truck when another semi-truck “appeared”. There was not time to slow down and return to the proper lane or speed up to complete the passing – I remember being terrified but before I could say anything, Alice “calmly “made the right decision and pulled off to the right shoulder – and the two trucks passed without incident.
There are so many stories of humor mixed with very sincere kindness about Alice that I could relate, but, suffice it to say that I love Alice with all of my heart and soul. She has been my loving companion for over 54 years in this mortal life and it is so comforting to know that we are sealed for all eternity!
CAROLYN S. GRIFFIN, DAUGHTER
Mom was a great inspiration and example to all who knew her. She had a keen sense of humor and a great love of life. My five siblings and I were a handful, growing up, something I didn’t realize or appreciate until my own have kids came along. Alice was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She always had time. Her focus was us, her family and our families as time moved on. She had a great testimony of the gospel and is now liberated from her frail state and beyond this mortal plane, reunited with loved ones long past and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Still she watches over us, as we continue our own journeys here. In this time of grief, let us not forget the joyous truths of life eternal.
RANDY M. GRIFFIN, SON-IN-LAW
Alice never complained. She had a great attitude all of the time, regardless of the challenges she faced.
CAMERON RANDALL GRIFFIN, GRANDSON
My heart goes out to all of you back at home, as I serve the last few months of my mission in Redlands, California. I hope and pray that you may have peace and comfort and feel of God's Eternal Love for each and every one of us, especially Dear, and Sweet Grandma Smith. I Love her and all of you, and I give my sincere testimony that I know Families can be together forever, and that Grandma Smith is at peace and is in a better place, a place where she may rest of all of her pains, and afflictions. I know Death is not the end, and that we will all see each other again. Grandma Smith has made an impact in my life, and in many others, and she will indeed be missed by many.
BROCK ISAAC GRIFFIN, GRANDSON
My Grandma Alice Smith was the most longsuffering person I have known and through thick and thin she never gave up she always persevered and endured to the end.
ROXANNE LYNN GRIFFIN, GRANDDAUGHTER
I loved helping Grandpa Smith get Grandma in and out of bed each day. I also liked to help my mom comb and braid Grandma’s hair. Grandma is in heaven now, and I love her.
JANEL S. COFFMAN, DAUGHTER
I would like to share what I wrote for a family activity we did on April 19, 2015 just over 7 weeks before mom passed away. Dad asked us (children and grandchildren) to write some special memories of mom and then after a family dinner we shared our memories with grandma and the rest of the family. Stephen did an audio tape recording of this. It was such a precious time spent with mom, she really enjoyed hearing all of the fun memories as did everyone else. Mom was a great example of enduring to the end with courage, love and of course her wonderful sense of humor.
April 19, 2015 Dearest Mother here are a few of the many reasons why I love you. There are so many other things I could mention, these are a few that come to my mind. I've always appreciated, especially as I reached adulthood, hearing the family stories you tell. It brought those dear loved ones who you personally knew here on earth to life for not only me but also my children, Scott and others. In my mind now I have wonderful memories of my Grandfather ... Grandpa Dear which you and Dad would fondly call him. These stories you told of his sense of humor and love of gardening especially the flowers and of the time you spent with your father, in the garden..... It wasn't just the flowers he was nurturing and growing......it was his precious daughter. Stories of him in World War I and of his love for his sweetheart, my Grandma who I knew as a child and who I love dearly and who has such a kind heart. It was so fun to be able to live up at 1336 with you and Dad. We did this several times when we were between homes and our kids were little. This was a precious time for them to be able to spend time with you their grandma and also grandpa and have fun with lemonade on the magic bridge, stories read, hugs and kisses, thank you so much for all you did to help raise our precious children Stephen, David and Michelle. Looking back, those were great years. It was also fun the time Carolyn and Randy and their family were also at your home, both you and Dad just took it in stride having five small kids running around made life an adventure! Even though it was only a short time while we were getting back up on your feet, looking back it was precious time together as an extended family. Thank you (and Dad) for being such wonderful grandparents to Stephen David and Michelle.
Over the years I've grown to appreciate your keen mind and wonderful sense of humor, positive outlook on life and your pleasant smile. I love how you're always happy to have your picture taken with us and other family members, you always have a wonderful smile and we love these pictures with you!
But the most important thing that I love about you is that you and Dad raised us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love that you and Dad chose to be sealed in the Temple for Time and All Eternity and that our family is continuing on with this legacy. This along with the love that you and dad gave us is the most precious gift of all.
Thank you Mom I love you... Always Janel
SCOTT C. COFFMAN, SON-IN-LAW
I have mixed feelings about the passing of sweet Alice. While I know she is at peace and in a comfortable state, she will be missed greatly. It was fun to tell jokes to each other and also to listen to her stories. She had an amazing wit and memory. Alice had a very nice and loving personality as well. She is a great example to us all. Now she is reunited with members of her family who have gone before her including her daughter, Marie. We love you sweet Alice. "I'll be loving you, always."
STEPHEN ELIAS COFFMAN, GRANDSON
I will always remember grandma as someone who was strong in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know she went to great efforts to love her posterity, as she went to my wife, Scarlet, and my Sealing in the Bountiful Temple. Despite her severe physical disabilities and the bitter winter air, she smiled and was happy - happy because we were happy.
I will always remember that one of the last things grandma wanted us to know was that she loved us. Although her speech was slow, and difficult to understand, I could distinctly understand when she told me and others "I love you." At that moment I felt the impression that she wanted the loved ones who she was leaving behind to know she loved us; that if there was one message she wanted to be communicated before she passed on, it was one of her deep love for us. She was not concerned with worldly possessions or prestige; love was on her mind in her final moments of mortal life.
Without any doubt in my mind, I know she is with her father, Stephen Alvin Olsen, and other loved ones. She passed from our loving arms to even more outstretched arms to receive her, and she is happy. I know we will associate with her again.
TRACY SCARLET COFFMAN, GRANDDAUGHTER-IN-LAW
I am grateful grandma Smith was born in the covenant. It means a lot to me because now, by the time I met Stephen (my husband), he would already be born in the church. Because of that, I knew grandpa and grandma Smith and all of the rest of the family were already in the gospel and that’s big for me because now I know she is with my Heavenly Father and I’m pretty sure that many others from other generations will be in the gospel because she made the decision to be baptized. This will change our future a lot. I miss grandma even though I have only known her for a short amount of time. However, the few memories I have of her mean a lot to me. She also taught Janel (my mother-in-law) many things and now Janel is a mother to me and because grandma taught her so many things I can now have a piece of grandma with me when I am with Janel. Like when Janel is taking care of the garden and keeping the environment of the family nice, those are things both of these amazing women would do. I love grandma Smith. I have never been to a funeral, but while in the family line I’d imagine we all know we will still have her in our hearts and in our memories. I love you grandma. And grandpa smith, thanks for making a big impact on my life as well. It means a lot to me.
DAVID LEE COFFMAN, GRANDSON
This message is from David and Cynthia (my future wife). We always wanted grandma to be physically present when we get married in July of 2015 because she (and grandpa) have shown what it is to have an ideal marriage. She is such an amazing lady and such an important part of the family; it is no wonder grandpa loves her so much. However, we understand the timing of the Lord is perfect and she has a different mission to serve right now with her loved ones in the spirit world. Despite that, we know she ,along with many other deceased family members, will be spiritually present in the Salt Lake Temple when we get sealed.
Although Cynthia did not know grandma a long time, she has expressed her love and admiration for her. She has told me she can perceive that grandma is a great woman; a woman who was very sweet, smart, tender, kind, and with a great sense of humor. Her sweet smile will be missed.
We have really appreciated all grandma has done for our family. As grandpa says, none of us would be here without her. She always had a good attitude and a good sense of humor despite her trials she had towards the end of her life and she taught us to do the same until her last days. We love her sense of humor (I think my sense of humor comes from her and her father, Stephen Alvin Olsen). One of my favorite things to do was tell blond jokes with her, although I must admit her jokes were always better than mine.
Grandma has always been very supportive of all my sporting activities and other interests. She has been present for football games, basketball games, priesthood ordinations, patriarchal blessings, graduations, and countless other activities not only for myself, but for all her other grandchildren as well. I (along with my brother and sister) feel we have a very special connection with grandma (and grandpa) because my family spent several years living in their house. I feel really lucky for that because I learned many things during those stays with grandma and grandpa.
Grandma has taught me throughout my whole life to always be happy and kind. We will miss her tender smile and quick wit. We are glad we will be able to see her again someday. We'll be loving you always Grandma.
MICHELLE COFFMAN, GRANDDAUGHTER
I remember one time when grandma and I were having one of our many, special tea parties (without the tea, we had 7-up and orange juice ice cubes). She called me upstairs and we started to make her famous fruit salad. I wanted to taste the food coloring. Grandma was always so good at letting children experience things. A moment later, my mouth was stained with dark color and tasted repulsive. Eventually we carried on with our party. Grandma was the type of person who liked to use nice things and share them with everyone, even if they're only a little girl. Needless to say, we got grandma’s special tea cups out of the china cabinet. They were pink and gold. Grandma and I visited and had so much fun together. Grandma was all about making others feel special and spending time together.
PAUL SMITH, SON
Alice was a very loving and caring mother She always knew what to say and what not to say. We all are going to miss her greatly.
ROSE BLACKBURN SMITH, DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
I love you Alice very much. You are always in my heart. I promise you Alice to visit you twice a year.
STEPHEN BLACKBURN, GRANDSON
I remember when I first met grandma, how open and loving she was to me. I will miss her very much.
COLLEEN S. THOMPSON, DAUGHTER
When I think of my mom I smile, so many great memories. She could always make me laugh. My mom had the best sense of humor; she loved telling jokes as well as hearing them. My mom had the sweetest smile & warmest heart. She was always up for an adventure & so fun to be around. I'll treasure my memories and am so thankful to know we'll see her again one day. I love you Mom
TYSON NATHANIEL THOMPSON, GRANDSON
Grandma Alice: loving, kind, funny, and just all around wonderful! She would always be the light in the room, the one to lighten someone's day when it was dark. She was always smiling and spreading happiness. My dad had a special bond with her and I can't help but think that they are together now laughing and joking around, and I believe that is how she would want us to be now. She had a great sense of humor! I love you Grandma and will miss you, but we will all see you again and be together forever!
BRADY KENNETH THOMPSON, GRANDSON
Grandma always had a positive attitude. Every time we came to visit she told us a joke. She always had a smile on her face and that made me smile. She always told these great stories that made everyone laugh. I'll miss you, Grandma.
SPENCER NELSON THOMPSON, GRANDSON
Grandma has always been there for me and everyone she knew. From the time she was young to when she was older, she always was there for everyone to make them laugh and remember all of the memories they have had with her. She would always tell jokes that were funny. From the time grandma was young to when she died the stories I heard about her were always funny, and it was her looking out for everyone, and I know she loves me, and that one day I will see her again. I know she is in a better place where she can brighten lots more peoples' souls. Her spirit radiates off her and I am going to miss her, even though I know that she is watching me and is always with me. I love you Grandma.
ASHLEY MARIE THOMPSON, GRANDDAUGHTER
My grandma was a great person and I miss her so much. She always tried to put a smile on everyone's face whenever we visited and she always had a new joke to share. My grandma was so strong and she kept her sense of humor all the way to the end. Her presence here will be missed dearly but I know that she's in a better place now and she's with everyone else that we've lost and she'll be so happy to see them again. I know that they'll take care of her just like my grandpa used to. I'm so glad that families are forever and that I can see her and everyone else again.
MARK STEPHEN SMITH, SON It is a bitter-sweet day today with the passing of Mom. I don't know if any of us ever really believed she would one day be gone....but TEMPORARILY. How sad Mom was when her mom (grandma) passed away from us back in 1980; now mom is back with her...right now.
I thought today of Marie, our sister whom only Carolyn and Janel got to see on this earth besides mom and dad. Dad has always said that he and mom will have a chance to raise her on the other side. I think that process has already started where mom is beginning to raise our long, lost sister Marie.
These are just some of my impressions as I reflected back on mom's life today. It is raining in Bismarck, North Dakota, and the raindrops seem to be singing to the memory of mom. She was and IS kind, sweet and funny and we all know...we will see her again.
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alice?
Share a story where Alice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alice you’ll never forget.
How did Alice make you smile?