Myrtle May Thompson Smith

Survived by her husband Lynn R Smith; and 8 children L. Reed Smith (Terry Smith), Melvin S Smith (Pamela Smith), Rose M Smith (Timothy Smith), Teresa M Dean (Scott Dean), Scott L Smith (Tamra Smith), Peggy J Birkholz (Peter Birkholz), Robert M Smith, Courtney B Smith (Zelena Smith); 56 grandchildren and spouses; and 45 great-grandchildren with 2 more before the end of 2019; as well as 2 of 8 her siblings Harold David Thompson and Geraldine Thompson Boston.

She lived a full and happy life. She was born June 19, 1936, Myrtle May Thompson, to Oliver and Rosie Thompson, although her name never appeared on her birth certificate. In her youth she learned to play the Accordion and although she did not play for years she could pick it up and play at age 75. In 1950 she and her family came to Utah to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They then moved to Utah in 1951.

As a junior in High School she met the love of her life and married him on October 23, 1953 in the Salt Lake City Temple during her senior year. She still managed to graduate in May of 1954 from Granite High School. They moved about a little when Lynn served in the Air Force but in 1959 settled in Bountiful Utah to raise their children.

After the birth of her 6th child she went to Beauty School and became a licensed Beautician, although she only worked a few weeks. Lynn’s employment for the FAA caused them to move to Billings Montana in 1973 where they lived for over 40 years. While living in Billings they served as Foster Parents to over 200 children for the state of Montana between 1978-2010. In February 1999 they were named Foster Parents of the Year. In November 2003, they received the Montana Angel in Adoption Award for ongoing and outstanding commitment to the welfare of Montana’s foster children. They were named an Outstanding Foster Family. They were also recognized as the longest continually licensed foster parents at 30 of their 33 year. Because of the bonds she formed with the children she served, she and Lynn adopted Robert and Courtney.

She served in many callings in the Church in the Primary and Relief Society over the years. Her favorites were Compassionate service and in the library. She loved her family and serving anyone that she crossed paths with; whether it was a smile in the hall or meal when needed. She was loved by her family and all who know her.

Funeral services will be held at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah on June 3, 2019 with a viewing starting at 10:00 AM and the funeral to follow at 11:00 AM. Following with the dedication of the grave at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park 17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, Utah 84065.

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