Mary Alice Perkins Smith

Our Mom was Magical.  We knew this very early on, she could make magic happen in so many ways; she made magic happen at her sewing machine while mending the un-mendable, as a nurse to the sick, who would readily dole out magical popsicles that could make a sore throat disappear in seconds and ginger ale that could tame the most tumultuous of tummies;   A culinary wizard, that could feed an entire tribe with two pounds of ground round and even have leftovers; She was a Teacher of all things that really mattered; She was an Actress and a Ballerina; A Stake Relief Society Presidency Member, Foster Mother, Early Morning Swimmer, Kisser of Children’s Boo-Boo’s, Grand Mother, Quilter, Chauffeur, Board of Education Enforcer (we mean a real wooden Board), Editor in Chief of countless school assignments, Church Talk Tutor, Bread Maker, She could even make bologna taste good; A Singing Mothers virtuoso, An accomplished chorister, choir member, and lover of music, who’s voice could calm even the most tyrannical of toddlers: and a singer of magical songs that could make everything bad disappear. A Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother. Yes, Our Mom certainly was Magical!

Our Mom was Mary Alice Perkins Smith and on January 29, 2022 she returned to Heaven to be with the Love of her Life, Our Dad, Harry Smith.  Mary Alice was born in Brigham City Utah on May 17th1932 and was the second of three children born to Leonard Mendenhall and Laney Pearl Perkins.  At almost 90 years old, Our Mom is pretty much preceded in death by mostly everyone (Our Mom was the last of her generation for our family).  We are convinced the Heavenly reunion must have been magnificent.

Shortly after her birth, The Perkins’ relocated from Utah to a farm in Lava Hot Springs Idaho.  The Great Depression was in full swing, and resources had to have been scarce.  It was during this time Our Mom must have learned many of her Magical Skills; Hard Work, Integrity, Frugality, the value of service and most importantly Love of Family.

Somewhere along the way the Perkins family relocated to New Plymouth Idaho and yes magic followed for this is where she met her Man; “Her Man”, had just returned from a mission and was prime for the pickings… so our Magical Mom, Picked Him!    On a sunny September day in 1952 they began their now over 70-year Love Affair and were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

Our story takes an unusual twist because shortly after their marriage Harry was promptly drafted into the US Army and shipped off to a place, they call Korea.  Our Magical Mom faced a first pregnancy without Dad.  Our Big Brother, Cliff, was born while Dad was on vacation in Korea.  We can only speculate on the challenge that was for our Magical Mom.  Mary Alice had but six naturally born children but touched the lives of so many others as adoptive and foster parent, friend and mentor, Teacher and Servant of the Lord.

Mary Alice Perkins Smith now passes this life’s baton to her progeny; Cliff (Kerry); Cathy Moore (Garry); Cindy Crawley (Scott); Brian (Pam); Debbie Bryans (Dean); Tracey Nelson (Eric); DJ (Lisa); Ken Wolfleg; Stewart Barrett; David Dalpe; 48 grandchildren; 55 greatgrandchildren; 1 Great-Great Grandbaby, nephews, nieces, and friends. But in doing so, she passes not only the blessings she has taught, but also the responsibilities.

Mom was not a half-full/half-empty kind of person.  She was very much of the “My cup runneth over” crowd.  She believed that if you have a burden to bear, it’s because you have shoulders to carry it. She taught us to be kind and gentle and treat others with respect and love.  Help where you can and be generous.  Blessings we receive enable us to help others.  None of us have an easy life, none of us.  We serve God by serving others, lifting others, and brightening their way.  The words of this song perfectly depict our feelings for our Magical Mom:

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.

Gods Speed Mom, and please give everyone our Love.  You are gone but never forgotten, THANK YOU!

Graveside Services will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Farmington City Cemetery, 500 South 200 East, Farmington, Utah.  A viewing will be held prior to services from 12:30 to 2:00 PM at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah.

For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be streamed live at 2:30 PM on Russon Mortuary and Crematory Facebook Page using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory-105412734572327

Services will also be streamed under this obituary beginning at 2:30 on Friday.