Joanne Dazley Smith, our beautiful and loving wife, mother, grandma, and caring friend to all, returned to her Father in Heaven surrounded by her eternal companion of 53 years and 5 children after a long, courageous, seven-year battle with non-hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia on May 17, 2018. Mom's loving, compassionate spirit was known to all who knew her. She led a life full of service to others, of faith, and of a willingness to serve the Lord.
Mom was born to Joseph Carl and Ruth Jensen Dazley on March 14, 1945 in Salt Lake City. She grew up in Sandy with her five siblings, Carol, Larry, Pam, Gary, and Duff whom she loves wholly and completely. She attended Jordan High School where she met the love of her life and her eternal companion, Dale. Dad knew from the beginning that her inner qualities and spirit matched her outer beauty. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 20, 1964. This was the beginning of a true love story. Whether you saw them walking hand-in-hand, working in their yard, or serving their church, community, and family, it was always done together. She was Dad's devoted pillar of strength and equal partner in all things. Dad always said he was proud and honored to have her at his side.
Mom's adoration for her husband and posterity was most often displayed through her ability to make everyone feel included, accepted, and loved. This gift was often displayed through the personalized touch she added to each of her birthday cakes, valentine cookies, and handwritten notes. Her ability to create a bit of heaven in her home left a lasting impression on all who visited. Mom was frugal and meticulous in her care for herself, her children, and her home. Everything she touched was touched with love.
Mom's greatest strength was her unfailing testimony in the Savior. As a lifelong member of the LDS church, Mom served in varied capacities of many church auxiliaries and had a special love for the women of the church. Hand-in-hand, she and Dad valiantly accepted the call to serve as mission president in the Bacolod Philippines mission and as MTC president in the Philippines MTC. She quickly embraced her new role as one who ministered to various missionary ailments from yellow fever to ingrown toenails to a homesick heart. Her 500 plus missionaries and the surrounding Filipino saints could feel her Christlike love as she interacted with them. As she lived her testimony and gave her unconditional love, they gave her their hearts. Once returning, she taught the importance of the temple through her example as she spent cherished time with Dad in the Jordan River Temple as an ordinance worker.
Mom's legacy of faith in Heavenly Father's plan, selfless service, and never-ending care now gives her family strength as we move forward with her motto, "I can do hard things." Her posterity will strive to always be their best selves, both outward and inward. While her ministering takes on a different form, Mom will be deeply missed by her sweetheart forever Dale, loving children Jeffrey (Amy) Smith, Bryan (Julie) Smith, Amie (Quinn) Frazier, Marci (Justin) Butterfield, Cynthia (John) Washenko, 26 grandchildren, and one great grandson. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Larry Dazley. Mom's family are grateful for the loving care provided by the oncology nurses and doctors at IMC, especially the loving friendship formed with Anita McDonald.
A viewing will be held Thursday May 24th from 6 - 8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens on 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 25th at 11:00 AM at the Corner Canyon Stake Center at 13400 S 1300 E, Draper, UT with additional visitation preceding the funeral from 9:00 AM ‚ 10:30 AM. Interment will be at the Draper City Cemetery.
"Until the twelfth of never, we'll still be loving you."
