Carol Lavena Teeples Smith

Carol Lavena Teeples Smith, age 84, precious daughter of a loving Heavenly Father, has finished her earthly journey with courage, faith and grace. She received her call home on February 4, 2021. She was gathered into the loving arms by her Savior, Jesus Christ and many loved ones who were waiting for her return.
Carol loved to read almost everything and always said “you could travel anywhere in the world thru books.”
Mom loved to wander the beauties of God’s creations especially down south to “Red Rock Country” or camping at Bear Lake or traveling to Yellowstone. A camping trip was arranged to Capitol Reef and Carol was able to show her family the beautiful Red Rock, Wayne County – Torrey – where she grew up. Grandma bragged that she was able to walk barefoot and climb the rocks with the best of the boys in her Torrey.
Carol’s garden was her sanctuary and it brought much peace & pleasure to her soul. Carol created magic by breathing life in her corner of the world with gardening. Many of her friends and family received her beautiful flowers and veggies from her garden. Mom worked hard and gave any task her full efforts. Carol put herself thru nursing school and graduated from the University of Utah and BYU with honors.
Carol was on the Air Med Maternal Care team, for years, helping new moms and babies arrive safely in the world. She loved working on the Labor & Delivery Unit and said she was so blessed to be so close to God and new life each day… never take anything for granted. Grandma’s heart was on the front line to help others that needed her medical experience.
Carol’s Nursing legacy has been passed on thru many generations. Many of her grandchildren have received careers in helping professions. Currently one granddaughter is working at the same Labor and Delivery Unit at the same hospital that her Grandma worked generations before. We know that Grandma will be watching over you and helping you with your patients. Other Granddaughters are currently pursuing nursing degrees at this time as well. This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful Grandma.
Carol taught Spanish at the Guadalupe School in Salt Lake City for years. Carol loved the Spanish culture and people. Mom went to Mexico to work in a hospital for 3 months, she enjoyed her time there and even went parasailing. Carol used her talent and skills with Spanish to help provide comfort and care to her Spanish speaking patients at the hospital.
Carol loved to take Church Education / History classes after she retired. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mountain View 3rd Ward. Carol loved to spend time attending the Temple and she even organized Temple Trips to take family and friends to Temples around the state. What a pure example of serving others and being an example of Christ. Carol has a strong testimony of faith and service and will be forever a light in our lives.
D&C 76:22-24
“And now after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony last of all which we give of him: That He lives! For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that He is the Only Begotten of the Father – That by Him and through Him and of Him, the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants there of are begotten Sons and Daughters unto God.”
Preceded in death by her husband Melvin Smith, her parents Dwendon and Zelpha Nielson Teeples, brother Dale Teeples, son-in-law, David Vialpando, and great-granddaughter, Livi Abighail Frazier.
Survived by her sister Loriane Bunker (David), brother Neil Teeples (Donna),daughters Alice Vialpando, Janet Hopkins (Ron), Michael Sorensen (Cherie), Jill Sorensen (Robert), Helen Yost (Derreld).
Carol also had special little ones grandchildren and great-grandchildren that welcomed her and met her when her spirit went to heaven.
All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, knew the love of Grandma. Grandma loved them all individually and they felt her love because she was tender and made them all feel special in her own loving way.
Heartfelt appreciation to Tender Care Hospice, for there compassion, love and support in caring for our mom. It takes a village to work, respect, and love unconditionally in caring for our most precious gift of life. We now feel a member of this great Tribe.
Susan Jenkins, who wore many hats – not only a nurse, but a therapist and friend.
Debbie, who was a gift of light and hope as we traveled this long tunnel of darkness and we are grateful and blessed to now call her our traveling angel… It was her that lifted us up when we thought our wings had forgotten to fly. We love you!
To our best friends Seta and Lea, who diligently served with such tender hands, both day and night to see that mom was fed, and had music sung and played to her. Mom felt at peace and calm in their presence. Thru them we have gained knowledge that we are truly one big family of God who serve one another when needed as being Christ’s hands on earth.
Mom- We will miss your sweet spirit- but we are all so happy for you and hope you are singing in the choir of angels…. We will remember you when we see a Red Cardinal and red roses. Find joy and peace in Heaven’s Hands…
“En su plan no hay verdaderos finales, solo comienzos eternos.”
“In his plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT 84123 with a viewing one hour prior inside of the building. To participate in the services from your own home via live stream, please view instructions below:
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Service Information
Viewing February 11, 2021 at 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT 84123





Graveside Service
February 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT 84123