Carol Smith

Carol Marie Ronnow Smith

February 21, 1939 - October 11, 2026

Carol Marie Ronnow Smith passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in the early morning on Sunday October 11, 2026. Next to her eternal mate of 63 years, Gerald G. Smith Jr. (Chip).

Carol and Chip were blessed to be able to remain in their home for all of these years. We love and appreciate all of the neighbors and ward members for their unconditional love for our parents. We especially want to thank Sani and “Love at Home” for their wonderful care they have shown our Carol these last two years. Their compassion and dedication made it possible for Carol to remain in her home she loved, surrounded by familiar comforts and loved ones.

Carol was born on February 21, 1939. She was the only child of Lorin and Myrtle Ronnow. She grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada where she spent her childhood and high school years surrounded by incredible friendships that have lasted throughout her life. She participated in a dance group she loved, the Rhythemettes. She even performed with them on the Ed Sullivan Show. She loved Las Vegas, her childhood, and teenage years spent there. She graduated from Las Vegas High in 1957. Up until the last few years, Carol would often vacation to her childhood home with Chip enjoying their time in their beautiful back yard that they so loved and designed. It was their oasis, and Las Vegas was very special to her. She loved the sun and heat, and often referred to herself as a "desert rat".

Carol attended The University of Arizona her freshman year, and she was affiliated with the Tri Delta Gamma Sorority. She followed her dream and transferred to Brigham Young University. She built deep friendships there and was a member of the O.S.T. women's social unit, helping to organize university dances and homecoming floats. In addition, she was a songleader, a Val Hyric Sweetheart, first attendant to the Homecoming Queen, an attendant to both the Belle of the Y and the Athenian Dixie Ball Queen. She graduated from BYU in Elementary Education. She later moved to Salt Lake and taught 2nd grade at Woodstock Elementary. She met many friends and roomed with wonderful women who have remained her close friends. It was there on a Sunday where she met Chip who had just returned from his LDS mission from South Africa. He asked her out and they were engaged six weeks later.

Carol married her eternal sweetheart Gerald G. Smith Jr. (Chip) on August 15, 1963 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for 63 years. They have been an example to their family of love and loyalty throughout the years. They later welcomed five daughters and one son, who were the joy of her life. They went on to welcome 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way. Among all the roles Carol held throughout her life, being a mother and Grammy was one of her most treasured.

She displayed her love to her grandchildren through back to school lunches, bagel days, unforgettable Christmas Eves, cheering them on in their sporting events, and dance recitals. She was a true example of dedication and loyalty to her family. She made every holiday special in her own way. We continue as a family to carry on many of these traditions.

From 1993-1996 Carol and Chip presided over The Arizona Phoenix Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They found great joy in working with and supporting their missionaries. They talked fondly of this time in their life. They continued to remain close to their missionaries well after their service ended. Carol loved to write a missionary letter every Christmas to all of them. Carol had a deep and abiding love and testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. She would share her testimony and words of wisdom often. She was a woman of great faith, who served in many callings. She always was a listening ear to her children and always knew how to comfort and give great words of wisdom.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Gerald G. Smith Jr., her children Christie (Jim) Divver, Cynthia (Matthew) Wallace, Cheri (Jim) Geurts, Gregory (Susan) Smith, Candice Greene, and Corinne Robinson. Her wonderful 22 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Francis Lorin Ronnow and Myrtle Marie Carman Ronnow, grandson, Jackson Duane Greene, and many family members and life long friends.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Crestview Ward building, 2795 East Crestview Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Her funeral services will be held at the same location Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 10:00 am to 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street Salt Lake City, UT.

For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via zoom. Please click on the watch services link above.