Mary Beth

On Sunday December 4, 2022, Mary Beth Smith valiantly completed her earthly mission after a brief battle with cancer. She was a beloved wife of 60 years to her sweetheart, Dennis, and a devoted sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. 

Mary Beth was born January 14, 1944, to Louis Meade Harker and Velda May Ford in Provo, Utah. Growing up, her family also lived in Salt Lake City, Utah; Pocatello, Idaho; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Soda Springs, Idaho before settling in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She was the third of five children, Alice, Lois Ann, Meadena, and Philip. 

She met the love of her life, Dennis, while going to high school in Glenwood Springs. They passed love notes to each other until getting married on June 23, 1962, and were sealed in the Manti, Utah Temple on July 26, 1963. 

She and Dennis had five children but she was mother to countless others and opened her home to anyone. Over the years they welcomed foster children, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and grandchildren into their home. Their door was always open and they made room at the table for everyone.

Mary Beth and Dennis owned the Aspen Dairy in Colorado, where they provided diary products to local restaurants and stores from 1972 - 1985. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in the dairy office. Mary Beth also worked for Jani King as a secretary and bookkeeper from 1993-2013. 

Mary Beth was happiest when she was with her husband and family. She wanted to be with Dennis and accompanied him for work and other projects most of their lives. When her children were still at home, she would make a hot breakfast each morning and became famous for her delicious pancakes. She was their biggest fan and supported them at sports, plays, concerts, recitals and various other school functions.

Throughout her life, Mary Beth served in many branch, ward and stake church callings. She taught primary classes and played music in the Aspen Branch as well as serving in various leadership callings in the branch, wards and stakes where they lived. Many were blessed by her service as a ministering sister. In 2013, she and Dennis served a 23 month mission to Adelaide, Australia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Mary Beth adored her many roles in life including Sweeheart, Mom, Grammie Beth, Gigi, Aunt Beth, Sister, and so many more. Her family remembers her for never forgetting a birthday and for always making everyone feel loved. She was an example of faith, hard work, charity, compassion, and integrity. She left us all a legacy of Christlike love. 

Mary Beth is preceded in death by her parents Meade and Velda Harker; daughter Peggy Pearson; and sons-in-law John Pearson and George Fairbanks. She is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children Denny (Melinda), Penny, Dave (Dana), Terry (Lisa); and 80 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services for Mary Beth will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 16, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 1160 Vine Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church beforehand from 9:30-10:45 am. Burial services will happen immediately afterwards at East Lawn Cemetery, 4668 Brookshire Circle, Provo, Utah. A longer viewing will be held the night before on Thursday, December 15th from 6:00-8:00pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you share your funds with those in need to help make their Christmas brighter. 

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually or unable to attend in person. 

https://zoom.us/j/97056590850?pwd=dW9tQXB0SGVYRkFvUzNEcGJCN0hOdz09

Meeting ID: 970 5659 0850

Passcode: 515703

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