Vanda Elaine Smith Kendall's Obituary
Vanda Elaine Smith Kendall
1926 - 2020
Vanda Elaine Smith Kendall, age 93, of Springville, Utah, passed away January 8, 2020. Vanda's story began June 15, 1926 in Shelley, Idaho as the 12th of 13 children to Francis Thomas and Myrtle Anderson Smith. Vanda spent her childhood and adolescent years in Shelley until she moved to Logan Utah where she received her degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Music from Utah State University. She met the love of her life, William (Bill) Clayton Kendall while attending college and they were married September 20, 1948 in the Logan LDS Temple. After graduating, Vanda taught school in Logan. After Bill graduated, they moved several times before settling in Idaho Falls, Idaho for 21 years. In Idaho, Vanda taught elementary school and had a private kindergarten in her home. In 1978, the Kendall’s moved to Richland, Washington and in 1983 they moved to Springville, Utah where she lived until her passing. Vanda was a loving wife, tremendous mother, wonderful sister, and an outstanding teacher. Vanda was involved in a variety of social clubs, volunteer work, countless acts of church and community service throughout her life. She had an astonishing ability to love all people; she never met a stranger and considered everyone her friend. All who met her could feel the unconditional love she had for them. Vanda had a passion and love for music and had a beautiful alto voice. She and her little sister Dorothy began singing duets together at a young age and she continued to sing in duets, quartets, sextets and choirs. She played the saxophone in numerous bands and was first chair saxophonist in college. Vanda also had an enthusiasm for traveling. She and Bill enjoyed many trips together. Loved ones who will miss her until they meet again are her son, Clayton Kendall, daughters, Sharon (Lorin) Welker, Tamara (Steve) Hendricks, and Ann Kendall. 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, sisters, Donna Nielson, Maxine Ransom, and Dorothy (Richard) Crandall, and numerous nieces & nephews.
Family members who preceded Vanda in death are her parents, husband William (Bill) Kendall, siblings Vaun, Vola, Ramona (as infants), Lee, Lucille (Jensen), Ila (Backlund), Kenneth, Dean and Mildred (Schwabedissen). The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ashford Assisted Living of Draper, Utah, and Bristol Hospice for the excellent care they provided. Additionally, the family wishes to thank all of Vanda’s wonderful friends and neighbors for their countless acts of love and service. She loved and cherished you all!
Words cannot convey the love Vanda’s children have for their beloved mother. They are truly grateful for her Christlike example and unconditional love. She has touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Friday, January 17, 2020 at the Hobble Creek 4th Ward chapel, 1460 East 900 South, Springville, Utah where a viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Interment and graveside services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Shelley, Idaho.
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