Bountiful UT – Valerie Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by family & friends. Val was born in Albany, California, to Glen Phillips Umberger & Patricia Walsh. At 9 years of age they moved to Salt Lake City, Capital Hill area. She attended West High School, then the University of Utah, where she met her eternal companion, Ariel E Smith. They were sealed for time and all eternity September 23, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. Moved to Pennsylvania where Ariel was working, and they started their family. In 1961 they moved to Bountiful, Utah, in the Val Verda area. Their family continued to grow.
Mother was always busy with family & church callings. She lovingly cared for her invalid mother for 10 years. Valerie was a voracious reader & learner. Her love of the scriptures & her testimony blossomed over the years, especially during the many missions she & Ariel served. She easily made lifelong friends that she loved dearly. Her passions were chocolate, Family Search, painting, teaching, family & friends. Above all, her life was filled with service due to her strong testimony in our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Valerie is survived by her sweetheart, Ariel, and children: Duane (Cindie) Smith, Melody (Dirk) Bodily, Greg (Ann) Smith, Patricia (Barry) Hatch, Lloyd (Estie) Smith, Sherri (Steve) Harris; and her brother Forrest (Jan) Umberger. 28 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren. Valerie is preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, & a great-grandson.
The service to honor Valerie will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, at their stake center located at 3599 S Orchard Dr, Bountiful, UT. Family & friends may visit at a viewing from 9:30-10:30am. The funeral will follow at 11:00am. Interment will be at Bountiful Cemetery, 200 W 2224 S, Bountiful, UT.
To watch the recorded service, please click on the Watch Service button above.
Sherri and Steve,
Sherri your mom is an amazing lady and I think probably has the best taste in all of the world because she loves chocolate just like we do!!
We know we can’t make your pain go away, but we want you to know we're here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen with, or anything else you may need.
Your friends forever,
Bill &Lori
We are filled with love and admiration for both Val and Ariel and family. So exemplary!! We appreciate our many years of association. Faithful to the end, they have been actively coming to the temple with the assisted living group. The Bensons
Dear Smith family,
Sending loving thoughts your way as you say goodbye to your dear mom for a time. I have wonderful memories of growing up with your family in our neighborhood and Ward. Fun yesteryears! Was there anything your mom couldn’t do? I remember her best for her beautiful artwork and delicious homemade chocolates (I was a happy recipient of both these talents), and her intelligence and creativity. I’m disappointed to miss being in attendance at her services as I will be out of town cheering on a soccer playing grandson. Love to you all! 💕
My dearest family, my heart goes out to you and your father at this time. I wish we were closer so that we could join you at this time. We are currently serving as senior missionaries in the Africa South Area and loving every minute as we work as mental health advisors, and in our spare time, retrace the steps of the Smith family through Johannesburg, Cape Town and others areas they frequented. What a legacy they left for us to follow. I leave my love with you knowing that the Lord is aware of your needs and will tend to them. Love to all of you from far away South Africa. All my love, Judy
I was a teenager in Monongahela, PA when Val lived in the Pittsburgh area. She truly cared for and loved the youth. I remember that I had no transportation to a district activity. She drove to our little town to give me a ride. I remember her having her wedding gown dyed to be a gown for the Gold and Green Ball.
Her love of chocolate was memorable.
I can truly testify that her example of Christlike service has followed me and influenced me through life.
She and Arial surely made a difference in my life.
May her family and memory be blessed forever.
Bonnie Kerry
