Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth (Beth) Jane Smith died Monday, July 2, 2012 at Dixie Regional Memorial Center in St. George, Utah.

Beth was born on March 16, 1950 in Sunnyside, WA to Emma Pauline and William J. Smith. She attended school in Granger, Washington and attended the LDS church in Sunnyside, Washington.

After graduating from high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She started her career working for Prudential Life Insurance Company in Salt Lake City, UT. Her career in the Life Insurance Industry took her to New York City, San Francisco, Boston and finally to Syracuse, New York, where she lived and worked for 15 years. She retired from AXA Insurance Company in 2007 and moved to St. George, Utah in 2011.

Beth was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She lived a life of service and dedication to the church and served in many roles of responsibility. She served as Stake Relief Society President of the Syracuse Stake and as Ward Relief Society President in various wards. Beth was always willing to help those in need and serve wherever she could. Because of this serving attitude, she made countless friends, many whom she remained friends with for decades after her contact with them.

Beth began her struggle with cancer in the early 1990s. Eventually, she lost the ability to eat through her mouth, but this didn't damper her love for cooking. She was known for her elaborate meals for the LDS missionaries, friends and others who were in need of a good meal. She also provided countless holiday meals for friends and family. One of her greatest joys was watching people enjoy the food she so lovingly prepared.

Beth was a favorite aunt to 17 nieces and nephews. Her family was her most important priority. She always remembered birthdays and tried her best to be present for important events such as weddings and baptisms. Her family adored her and in turn, they knew they held a special place in her heart.

Beth is survived by her sisters, Jeanine Pace of Salt Lake City and Reva Nitchman (Sheldon) of Rifle, Colorado, her brother, William Smith (Janet) of Prosser, Washington and 17 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father: William J. Smith, mother: Emma Pauline Easley Smith, sister: Martha Emily Burke and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 2 pm at the Red Cliffs 6 ^th Ward LDS Chapel located at 1155 N. 1400 W., St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. and an hour prior to services at the church. Graveside services will be held at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, Washington, on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. Beth will be buried in Washington. For this reason, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Beth's name to the American Cancer Society.