Rhea Smurthwaite Foulger

Rhea Jean Smurthwaite Foulger of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025 among her family. She was 93 years old.

Rhea was born on December 2, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Charles and Rhea Smurthwaite. She was the third of six children, and close with her siblings–Dorothy, CJ, Elaine, Michael and Diane. Her childhood summers were spent swimming and lifeguarding at Liberty Park, dancing at school, and spending time with friends and family.

After graduating from South High, Rhea attended the University of Utah where she pledged to the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and made many lasting friendships. Rhea met her sweetheart Donald Foulger at an intra-fraternity formal dance at the U, and they were married one year later on April 25, 1952. Their first year of marriage was spent in Virginia, while Donald was stationed at Fort Belvoir. They later returned to Salt Lake City to raise their four children.

Throughout their life, they enjoyed showing quarter horses, playing golf, socializing with dear friends, traveling extensively, and spending time at their cabin on Hebgen Lake in Montana. The cabin is a beloved place for all of the family, as well as many friends who have come to fish, waterski, and relax at the most beautiful place on earth. She specialized in keeping the cabin clean and organized, cooking gourmet meals, playing card games, and watching old movies.

Rhea had many hobbies, including playing and teaching Bridge. She loved playing cards and achieved the level of Life Master from the American Bridge League. She relished going to tournaments, earning points, and sharing the glory with her friends. Additionally, Rhea was a prolific knitter. She knit countless sweaters, hats, scarves, and dishcloths to give to friends and family. She also knit each family member a personalized Christmas stocking, and enjoyed filling them with gifts and treats on Christmas morning. In her last few years, going to Knitting Group was a highlight of her week.

Rhea is known for her gracious hospitality. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed hosting friends and loved ones. Many will remember her popovers, turkey dinner with all the fixings, decadent cakes, and huevos rancheros. Nobody made popcorn quite like Rhea: air popped, lots of REAL butter, and plenty of salt! Her signature treat, however, was a scoop of plain vanilla ice cream–hot fudge optional.

Rhea is survived by her four children David, Tom, Alyson (Spence), and Paul, and was Grammy to thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, with one on the way. We'll miss her blunt catchphrases, her refined sense of style, and her generous support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Holladay City Hall in the Big Cottonwood Room (4580 S 2300 E) on May 29, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Feeding America in Rhea's honor. https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/campaign/rhea-fougler