Helen Marie Smith, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, 77 years young, defied cancer for 2-years, but decided it was time to get to work doing greater things on the other side. She passed peacefully on a beautiful Sunday morning surrounded by all 8 of her loving children and some of her many grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her loyal and head-over-heels in love husband of nearly 60-years, Gary; children Rod and Jean, Susan, Wendi and Maury Tanner, Loni, Holli, Dallon and Sheridan, Doug and September and Celeste and David Babcock; 33 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; her brother Richard Lee Ford and Sister Mary Ann and Harry Marco.
Helen possessed immense talent and creativity in abundance, which she used constantly to bless the lives of others. She had a great capacity for work: even to outwork everyone around her regardless of the task. She was fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren, helping them find hope and happiness in the midst of life's challenges and obstacles. She gave her all, exhausting herself in love and service for them. Among her countless accomplishments, Helen devoted many years of her life to teaching the Gospel as a beloved Teacher in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including early morning Seminary and a full-time mission for the Church Education System.
At her request, a small graveside service will be held for family at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, Utah on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.
