Lydia "Merle" Hancock Smith

Lydia Merle Hancock Smith returned to her Father in Heaven on February 27th, 2016, surrounded by her loved ones on both sides of the veil.

She was born on May 4th, 1922 in Roosevelt, Utah.  Daughter of Martin Levison and Lydia Lovina (Kimball) Hancock.  She grew up in Bluebell, Utah where she learned to work hard from an early age.

Merle married Glen Giles Smith on October 24th, 1942 and was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.  They raised a loving family of 5 children; Dee (Susan); Ilene Nelson (Myron); Dennis (Deby); Brenda Stevens (Greg); and Randy (Kathy), on a farm in New Plymouth, Idaho.  In 1976 they moved to West Bountiful, Utah to be closer to family.

Her core values were evident in her manner of living; devotion to family, strong faith in Jesus Christ, and serving and giving in a grateful spirit.  Even on her worst days she greeted you with a smile and home cooked meal.  The joys in her life have been gardening, cooking, and showing her family that she loved them in every way.

She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many ward positions, making many friends and helping and serving others.

Her positive, pure life will be in our hearts forever.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 9 siblings, husband, son-Dee, grandson-Curt, great granddaughter-Olivia.

She is survived by 4 children, 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and one brother, Shirl Hancock.

We are grateful for the care given by the staff at Heritage Place in Bountiful, especially those in the memory care unit, and Envision Hospice Care.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 4th, 2016 at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah.  A viewing will be held Friday from 11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m. prior to the services. Interment – Farmington City Cemetery.