Nona Darlene Whitaker Smith

Nona Darlene Whitaker Smith, age 86, formerly of West Yellowstone, Montana, and Centerville, Utah, passed away on December 14, 2020, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Nona was born on May 16, 1934, in Rigby, Idaho, the ninth of thirteen children born to Elwood LaFayette Whitaker and Meta Mary Cordon.  She grew up in St. Anthony, Idaho.  Her family worked together raising sheep, large gardens, and children.

Nona married William Jay Smith Jr. on June 9, 1954, in Bozeman, Montana.  They lived in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and eventually made their home in West Yellowstone, Montana, where they raised their three children, Meta Mary, William Jay III (Chipper), and Mitzi Marie.

Mother was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Having moved often, she served in whatever calling she was asked to serve.

Nona especially loved the sisters in the little Branch in West Yellowstone, Montana. She had fond memories of their service, challenges, laughter, and close friendships. Mother particularly loved her dear friend she fondly called, “Good Ole’ Lois” McCray.

Nona was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and served for four years as Captain of the Chase Lane Camp and as a Co-Captain.

As an artist, Mother enjoyed sketching and watercolor painting.  She refinished furniture and collected antique items.  She was creative in making her home clean and attractive wherever she lived.  With a talent for finding and making exceptional recipes, she was generous in sharing both with family, neighbors, and friends.  Among her readings, she loved to read cook books.

We, her children, are grateful to her for the gift of life, the example of sacrifice, overcoming adversity, hard work, love of family, and her laughter freely given.  Family and friends knew we were loved.  Her favorite thing was to visit, laugh, and have fun with those whom she loved.  We benefited equally in those visits.

Survivors include her children, Meta Mary (Curtis) Nield of Ririe, ID; William Jay Smith III “Chipper” (Amber) Smith of West Yellowstone, MT; Dallas (Rachel)  McCulloch of Kuna, ID; Clare Smith of Bozeman, MT; 13 “lucky” grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren who knew her as “G. G.” (Great Grandmother); her brothers, Larry E. Whitaker of Idaho Falls, ID, and Charles C. Whitaker of Bountiful, UT; and extended relatives, nieces, and nephews around the country.

Nona was preceded in death by her husband, William Jay Smith Jr.; her daughter, Mitzi Marie McCulloch; her parents, Elwood LaFayette Whitaker and Meta Mary Cordon Whitaker; her brothers, Elwood Jr. Whitaker, Bartlet C. Whitaker, Jay C. Whitaker, Cal C. Whitaker, and Kay C. Whitaker; her sisters, Rita Pearl Kennedy, Norma Whitaker, Votis Foster, Mary Joyce Whitaker, and Bonnie Sadorus.

Private family services will be held. Arrangements were made under the direction of both Wood Funeral Home East Side and Russon Mortuary of Bountiful, Utah. Interment will be in the Centerville City Cemetery following the services at Russon Bountiful Mortuary.