Verland's Obituary

Verland Evans Smith
“Bon Voyage”

Our Verland embarked on her final adventure September 11, 2004 and died as she lived – suitcase packed with plans to visit family in southern Utah.

Born June 19, 1910 in Lehi, Utah to Edith and Sylvester Evans, Verland graduated from Lehi High School with honors. She attended Heneger School of Business and was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Myton, Utah where she fell in love with her lifelong sweetheart, Emory C. Smith, who caught her eye because he wore a starched white shirt to the dance. The two worked hand in hand for over 50 years, sharing the responsibilities of operating a thriving family livestock enterprise in northeastern Utah. In addition to her work at the ranch, she held prominent positions at the local and national levels of the Women’s Woolgrowers Auxiliary, including president of the national organization. She was one of the founders of the “Make it Yourself With Wool Contest,” and she wrote radio plays for the National Woolgrowers.

As work on the ranch wound down, Verland had more time to pursue other talents and interests. At the age of 50 she began traveling the world, and she explored every continent but Antarctica and South America. One of her favorite trips was a cruise down the Nile River in Egypt. At 55, she took up painting with oils and watercolors and eventually exhibited 50 of her favorite works in a Park City gallery.

Verland lived a physically active life. She loved to golf and was a member of the Fort Douglas-Hidden Valley Country Club. She participated in a bowling league and enjoyed brisk daily walks through her neighborhood. She was swimming the day before she died.

She was a fearless woman who lived her life to the fullest and never sweated the small stuff. She was as proud of her family and their accomplishments as we are of hers. In her 80th year, she went up in a hot air balloon and hit a hole-in-one on the golf course. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, cooking, and treating her friends and family to parties in her lovely home.

Verland is survived by her sister, Karma Whimpey; brothers Dick, Keith, and Sterling Evans; children Sidney (Gary) Creer of St. George, Utah; Allan (Shirley) Smith of Roosevelt, Utah; Mac (Mary) Smith of Hanford, California; and Lee (Sally) Smith of Salt Lake City, Utah; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

We will celebrate her life Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City, where friends may call from 9:30 a.m. prior to services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Salt Lake chapter of the Assistance League, 2060 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84109