Florence Smith

Florence Smith, a cherished sister, wife,mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in North Ogden, Utah, at the age of 95. Born on September 16, 1929, in Logan, Utah, she left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege to know her. As a daughter of Jonathan Shirley Clark and Florence Geneve Rasmussen, Florence's early life laid the foundation for a life filled with kindness, creativity, and an unwavering love for her Savior.

Her educational journey culminated in a bachelor’s degree of Dietetics from Utah State University. She was also an accomplished pianist who accompanied student singers in the Music department. This is where she met one of the students, a wonderful man from Smithfield, Utah, Hollis D Smith. They were married in the Logan Temple.

 After having their first child, Lynn, Florence found how much she wanted children. She and Hollis wanted to have ‘a quiver full’ of them. Florence was a dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed filling her home with the aroma of fresh baked bread to greet the children as they came home from school. She loved to play music while the children were falling asleep at night. It felt like a warm blanket was being placed over them and gave them so much peace and comfort. She also had an interest in entrepreneurship from selling wigs to opening her own daycare, Starting Gate, where she nurtured young minds and tender spirits.

 Her talent on the piano flourished not only at home but also with playing for the ward choir, at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and the Conference Center where she played with dedication and joy. A guiding light in family matters, she served alongside her husband, Hollis Smith, on a mission to Argentina, under the mission president leadership of Anthony & Wendy Bentley. She appreciated every opportunity to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These included playing the piano for the different organizations, being a Primary president, Relief Society president, Visiting Teacher, and lastly, a Primary teacher.

No one enjoyed her piano playing as much as when the grandkids would visit and begged her to play the Bumble Boogie. Suddenly there was a roomful of grandkids dancing like bumble bees with everyone in the room laughing and having a wonderful time. With only the use of one hand in her nineties she still loved to play duets with whoever would play with her (to complete the song). 

 Florence instilled a sense of joy in those around her, a testament to her kind and welcoming personality. Often the first to laugh at herself, she embraced every moment with grace, coaxing smiles from even the most somber faces. As a mother of eight—Lynn (Darlene), Ron (Nancy), Mark (Wendy), Loretta (Jon), Kyle (Jennifer), Rachelle, Alison (Dean), and Marilyn, all who looked up to her with admiration and love.. She and Hollis made a lasting impact as they took in Vietnamese refugees, had April Quillin join their family for a time, and found ways to serve people in need.

 Her last five years were spent in North Ogden at The Lodge where she received care following a stroke. Her love for the people and the workers was evident as she worked to be a cheerful participant. She loved them and they loved her. She was blessed in the past few months to have her own niece, Julie Eames Lee as her Hospice nurse. It highlights her resilience, and loving nature.

 Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, 48 strong, and large extended posterity of 261, each carrying forward the lessons of kindness and humor she imparted. She is survived by her brother Gary Clark, and half-brothers John, Jerel, James, Jay, and her half-sister Merrilynn.

Florence is remembered with love and gratitude by those she leaves behind, while she joins her beloved late husband, Hollis, and is reunited with her son Lynn, along with her parents, sisters Jean, Marjorie, and Marlene, her half-sisters Bonnie and Ruth, and her brothers Weldon and Justin, as well as her great-grandson Tristan and great-granddaughter Mazel.

 In celebration of her remarkable life, family and friends are invited to gather for viewings at the East Millcreek church building 3103 E Craig Dr, Millcreek, UT, on February 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again the next day from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, with a funeral service honoring her legacy to follow from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Each shared memory and fond story will serve as a reminder of the warmth, laughter, and enduring spirit that is Florence Smith.