Emory Clarence Smith's Sister
August 27, 1920 ~ February 07, 2010Phyllis Smith Stewart, age 89, died peacefully in her home on February 7, 2010.
Phyllis was born on August 27, 1920 to Moroni Alma Smith and Blanche Beck Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah. She married Richard L. Stewart on January 2, 1940, and they celebrated their 70th anniversary January 2, 2010. They had known each other for 75 years, having met at the sophomore ball at Cyprus High School when they were teenagers.
Phyllis went to Stewart Training School on the University of Utah Campus, was a graduate of East High School, attended the University of Utah and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Phyllis was born into a ranching family and spent many summers in the Fruitland, Utah area on the family ranch, working along with the rest of her family. As with her parents, brothers and sisters, she learned the ethic of hard work and perseverance. These traits were passed to her children and grandchildren, treasured by those who know how valuable that attitude is.
Phyllis worked for years for the cause of developmental disabled children and adults. She was a prime mover for the construction of a group home in Riverton, Utah along with Project Turn and other related organizations. A private person, she always showed great poise and dignity when facing life’s problems. Even though she had health issues that she endured for forty years, she never complained. She was an ardent reader and watcher of public television and she maintained a meticulously clean home and dress. A passionate cook, she provided delicious home cooking and baking for her family as her children were growing, and she explored more contemporary cuisine in later years. She would start discussing the dinner menu at the breakfast table.
She enjoyed bridge and golf with her friends and husband at Hidden Valley Golf Club during her 52-year membership. When asked how she could have been married to her husband, Richard, for seventy years she stated she was never bored.
Phyllis was loved and respected by her family and many friends who knew her to be open-minded, fair, and generous. Her courage was inspiring.
A special thank you to her neighbors who provided friendship and help for many years. The family so appreciates the Relief Society Sisters of the Monument Park 9th Ward, and wishes to thank the staffs of Life Path, Love Care, and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to Phyllis and her family.
She is survived by her husband, Richard, a son, Richard Scott Stewart, a daughter, Leslie Elliot, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A daughter, Martha L. Stewart, preceded her in death in 2008. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Project Turn.
Services will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn located 2350 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City on February 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at the mortuary from 9:45a.m.to10:45 a.m. Following services, internment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East, and Fifth South in Salt Lake City.
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