Mary Ellen Smoot

On February 10, 2025, an extraordinary woman and elect lady, Mary Ellen Wood Smoot was called home.

Mary Ellen was born on August 19, 1933, in Ogden, Utah, and grew up in Clearfield, Utah, surrounded by the love and teachings of her parents, Melvin G. and LaVora Wood. As the fifth of six daughters, Mary Ellen learned early on the importance of family, faith, and service. It was during her time at Davis High School that she met her true love, Stanley M. Smoot. Their hearts were forever intertwined, and when Stan returned from his mission to Hawaii in 1952, they embarked on a journey of love that would last a lifetime and beyond. On October 8, 1952, they were married and sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Harold B. Lee.

Together, Mary Ellen and Stan built a beautiful life, raising seven children on the Smoot Dairy Farm in Centerville, Utah. Their home was a place of joy, hard work, and unwavering love. Mary Ellen’s influence shaped not only her own children but a community that grew to love and admire her. Her book Centerville: The City In Between is a testament to her deep affection for her hometown and the life she built there with her beloved family.

Her life was one of service. In 1983, Mary Ellen and Stan were called to preside over the Ohio Columbus Mission and later the Ohio Akron Mission, where they oversaw the restoration of the Newell K. Whitney Store in Kirtland and worked with the leaders of the Reorganized Church. It was a period of growth, learning, and faithful service.

From 1993 to 1997, Mary Ellen and Stan served as directors of VIP Hosting for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcoming world leaders such as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, President Mikael Gorbachev, and U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. But it was in April of 1997 that Mary Ellen's influence touched millions when she was called to serve as the thirteenth General Relief Society President of The Church. Under her compassionate leadership, the Relief Society grew, and its members united to engage in countless humanitarian projects, including sending over 38,000 quilts to Kosovo refugees. Her leadership was driven by a deep love for women everywhere, encouraging them to strengthen their testimonies, nurture their families, and uplift one another in faith. She authored a book entitled Sweet Is the Work, describing many of her experiences while serving as the General Relief Society President of the Church.

Mary Ellen traveled the world, bringing inspiration to Relief Society members in places like India, Russia, Nigeria, Japan, and across the Americas. But it was never about the travel—it was about the souls she touched and the hearts she lifted along the way.

Her contributions extended beyond her church service. In 1998, she was awarded the Exemplary Womanhood Award by Brigham Young University. In 2004, Mary Ellen and Stan contributed to the construction of a replica of the original Brigham Young Academy Building at This Is The Place Heritage Park—a physical reminder of their shared love for their faith, their family, and their history.

Mary Ellen’s greatest legacy, however, is her family. She was the proud matriarch of a remarkable legacy, including 51 grandchildren, who were blessed by her love, wisdom, and guidance. She loved sharing stories, offering counsel, or simply being present with those she loved. Her passion for family history was legendary, and she meticulously gathered and shared stories of ancestors, weaving a tapestry of family bonds that will last for generations.

She will be remembered by those who loved her most for her unwavering commitment to family, her mouthwatering homemade rolls that were the highlight of each event, and her ability to make holidays feel like grand celebrations. Mary Ellen valiantly marked each of her posterity's birthdays with love, ensuring that no one was ever overlooked. Her massive family gatherings were a hallmark of her life—events filled with laughter, shared memories, and a deep sense of belonging, strengthening the ties that bind her family together for eternity.

Throughout her life, Mary Ellen embodied the very qualities she encouraged others to live: faith, service, charity, and love. Her influence will never be forgotten, and her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those she served and loved.

Mary Ellen is survived by her seven children: Stana (W. Scott) Kjar, Steve (Kathy) Smoot, Sharm (Laura) Smoot, Shauna (Lester) Essig, Shane (Stacey) Smoot, Scott (Denise) Smoot, and Shandell (Heidi) Smoot, 51 grandchildren, and 168 great-grandchildren. We can only imagine the rejoicing and the celebration as she was welcomed back to Heaven by her beloved husband, Stan, who, along with a host of other loving family members, has been joyfully anticipating their reunion.

We rejoice in knowing that our Mother and Grandmother has returned home to her Heavenly Father; but our hearts ache with the loss of this remarkable woman who touched so many lives. Mary Ellen’s life was a beautiful reflection of Christlike love, and she will forever be missed but never forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Centerville North Stake Center, 1461 North Main St., Centerville, Utah where friends and family may visit on Tuesday evening, February 18, from 6-8 pm and again on Wednesday from 9:00 – 10:30 am prior to services. Interment Centerville City Cemetery. 

The funeral service will be streamed live by the ward through Zoom at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/94662510773