Mary Smoot Mather, a woman blessed with an abundance of gifts and a poetic soul, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly Saturday, August 18th, 2018 at the age of 61. She was the last child of Barbara and Wendell M. Smoot Jr. born on December 26th, 1956, just barely missing a Christmas birthday but was given the name Mary in honor of the day. She grew up in a family of four other siblings in a wonderful neighborhood in Oak Hills, where friends were plentiful and access to the mountains was close.
She attended East High School where she excelled musically and starred as the lead in the school musical. When she wasn't studying, singing or playing her guitar, she was almost always either on the ski slopes or tennis court, where her natural gifts brought her distinction in a family full of athletes.
She attended the University of Utah and affiliated with Chi Omega sorority where she served as president and made lifetime friends whose association she cherished and who have shared her highs and lows in life's complex journey. She found her career niche in speech communications, which she taught at LDS Business College after graduation.
She worked as well for Murdock Travel, taking tours to exotic locations and fine tuning her organizational skills.
Mary's professional career ended when she married Jeffrey G. Mather and motherhood became her priority. Together Mary and Jeff raised two children, John and Megan, primarily in St. George, Utah, where the weather was more conducive to her health. Mary loved being a mother and although she came to it later than most, she gave it everything she had, relishing all the little things that make family life meaningful. Her children were her greatest blessings, once writing "They were the light and loves of my life. I so enjoyed watching them advance along the road of life. They were treasures in our home. How I will miss them until they are in my arms again."
Mary had an exuberant love of life and adored family trips and called the family cabin in Island Park, Idaho, her favorite place on earth. She was vivacious, sentimental and funny, her witty quotes often becoming part of family lore. But writing poetry was truly her most exceptional talent. She would craft poems with a seasoned wordsmith's art to capture memories and people with a moving sensitivity.
She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities and carried a sure witness of the divine mission of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. Although she was not given length of days or a life of good health, she was refined by the challenges that were hers and showed courage and strength in a long and valiant journey. Carry on, dear Mary, we love you!
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey G. Mather, (St. George, Utah); John J. Mather (Seattle, Washington) and Megan B. Mather (serving in the Nebraska, Omaha mission); her sister, Margaret Smoot (Salt Lake City), brothers Dr. David J. Smoot (Debbie) Salt Lake City; Dr. John D. Smoot (Jan), San Diego, California and many nieces and nephews on both coasts. She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Wendell M. Smoot III (Monetta) San Diego, last November and by her parents.
A funeral service in Salt Lake City will be held Saturday, September 1st at 11:15 a.m. in the Crestview Ward, 2795 East Crestview Drive. A viewing will be held at the same location (Crestview Ward, 2795 East Crestview Drive) Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and prior to the service at 10:00. Interment at Sunset Lawn Cemetery.
