Emma Geneal Greaves Limburg Smith

Emma Geneal Greaves Limburg Smith died October 3, 2017 in Bountiful, UT. She was 96 years old.

Geneal was born on the summer solstice, June 21, 1921, the fifth child of Gescul James and Emma Catherine Greaves. She grew up in Ogden, Utah, graduating from Ogden High School in 1938.

She met her husband Paul David Limburg during her senior year of high school on a field trip to the radio station. They became engaged in 1941 as Paul was completing two years of missionary service in Canada. Rather than wait for Paul’s return to the United States, Geneal traveled by herself from Ogden to Canada and they were married in the Cardston Alberta Canada temple in 1942.

Geneal and Paul eventually settled in Bountiful, Utah, and together, they had five children: David (Suzanne), Douglas (Amy), Marsha (Robert), Eileen (Keith), Lisa (Charles). During this time Geneal focused on raising and supporting her family. She was a hard worker both at home and in her office, spending much of her career as a secretary and bookkeeper for Mr. Mac.

After Paul’s sudden death in 1963, Geneal married Rulon Smith in 1968. Their families combined as she helped him raise his six children: Ada (Doug), Rulon, George (Marta), Joel (Marni), Jeniel, and Sheryl (Blake).

Geneal was devoted to her family, and she was determined that each of her 11 children would feel the depth of her love. Her family would eventually expand to include 42 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and many in-laws. As her family grew, so did her love and commitment to everyone in it. Even though her family was large, she had a way of making everyone in it feel deeply and uniquely loved. Her hugs made everything about life seem just a little bit better.

Geneal was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings through her life, including Relief Society President, Sunday School Coordinator, MIA President and Primary President. She and her husband Rulon served a mission together in Columbia, South Carolina. She noted that Primary President was her favorite calling ever. Her devotion to her church also influenced many of her hobbies. She was enthusiastic about temple work and missionary service, and that enthusiasm was contagious to all who spent time with her. She will be remembered as a pillar of faith and strength.

In addition to her church service, she had many other interests. She was active in various community groups, including Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She loved to read and remained active in a community book club until near the end of her life. She was a longtime fan of the Utah Jazz, the Runnin’ Utes, and BYU sports.

She had a challenging life that included outliving two husbands and losing two children in the past seven years. She remained positive and faithful throughout her life. Shortly before her death, when asked the secret of her optimism and hope, she shared, “Well, every night when I go to bed, I ask myself ‘what good can I do tomorrow?’” May we all ask ourselves that question as often as possible.

In death, Geneal was reunited with her parents, all of her siblings, two husbands, and two children: David and Eileen. She is remembered by her 9 living children, their families, and many friends and acquaintances whose lives she has touched.

There will be a public viewing on Sunday October 8 from 6:00-8:00pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary: 295 North Main St in Bountiful.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 11:00am at her chapel: 720 East 550 North, Bountiful, with a viewing from 9:45-10:45am that same day. Geneal will be buried in the Bountiful City Cemetery.

In place of flowers please consider a donation to the LDS Church Humanitarian fund.