Ralph Warren Smith Jr's Obituary
Ralph Warren Smith Jr. was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 22, 1945. He was the first of six children of Ralph W. Smith Sr. and Ireta Payne Smith. His father had been a great athlete, and his mother the valedictorian, and he was a great mix of both. He graduated from Granite High School in 1963, then served 2 years in the New England States mission under presidents Truman G. Madsen and Boyd K. Packer.
He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Rothey, in Springfield Massachusetts. They married on August 30, 1966, in the Salt Lake City temple, then moved to Provo Utah, where he attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sociology.
Ralph’s first job led him to Olympia, Washington, where he worked for 30 years until retirement. He left a legacy of service as he diligently worked in The Washington State Department of Aging and Adult Services to secure the rights and comfort of aging and mentally disabled citizens.
Ralph and Elizabeth raised their 6 children in Olympia. He taught them the importance of community service as he dedicated his free time to coaching youth soccer and serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including 9 years as stake president of the Olympia stake, and when the stake was split, as president of the new Lacey stake.
In his professional life, church service and other volunteer responsibilities, he gained a reputation as a strong administrator and as a down-to-earth and powerful speaker. He had an artistic way of telling stories that were equally funny and poignant, and which left a deep impression. After hearing him, people were inspired to be even better.
Above all, Ralph treasured his family and faith. He enjoyed camping and liked to bring his trusty harmonica along. He was an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy books, and always found time to play tennis with friends and family.
After he retired, Ralph and Elizabeth began a second act of full-time church service, enthusiastically serving multi-year assignments as mission president, Missionary Training Center president, temple president, and other assignments, which took them across the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
Ralph is survived by his wife Elizabeth, 6 children - Aaron (Erin), Allan (Jennifer), Kirsten (Ryan), Heather (Matt), Erika (Marshall), Stephen (Stephanie), 31 of his 32 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, his sisters Anne and Donna, and his grandson Tristan Brockbank, who are now having a joyful reunion.
On Friday, May 10, there will be a Friends & Family visitation from 10:00-10:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. These events will take place the church located at 828 S Center Street, Lehi UT 84043. Here is the link to the zoom services:
https://zoom.us/j/98506756220
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