Patricia Smith, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on February 2, 2015. She was born on June 2, 1931 in Ellensburg, Washington and raised by her mother Luella Messinger. Patricia attended East High as well as the University of Utah. Pat met Ron Smith at church and they were married in 1948. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
Together Pat and Ron lived in Pennsylvania, New York and California, where they raised their seven children. In 1978, the family moved back to Salt Lake City where Ron later retired. Pat's great love for Native American's found her working at the LDS Church Family History Library in Salt Lake City, helping individuals with Native American lines for 32 years. Her given Indian name is White Buffalo Woman (Woman who helps others). She was asked to speak and teach at many different engagements across the country, including tribal Pow-Wows and BYU education weeks. Pat served in the LDS Church as a Relief Society President several times, in California and Utah, as well as serving in the Primary Organization for over 25 years and worked for many years in the Scouting Organization.
Patricia's hobbies and interests included gardening, decorating her home, hiking and camping with her family, and enjoying the wildlife in her yard.
Patricia is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ronald; her 6 children, Debera (David) Probert, Robin (Richard) Wheatfill, Lesa (Joseph) Szymanski, Denise Smith, Brian Smith and Bradley (Stacey) Smith; 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter Laurie Smith.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 1:30 pm at the Emigration 6th Ward, 589 East 18th Avenue. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-7:30 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and from 12:00-1:00 pm at the church, prior to the services. Interment in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
