Barbara Smith Lloyd

Grace, Idaho

Barbara Smith Lloyd, 95 of Grace, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2026. Barbara was born November 17, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edwin Parley Smith and Lillie Irene Barton. She was the second of three children; however, her older brother passed away a few days after his birth, so she didn't even meet him in this life. The first few years of her life were spent in Salt Lake City where her father worked, after which their family moved back to Thatcher, Idaho to farm. She was always so grateful to have lived in the peaceful valley of Thatcher surrounded by mountains where she learned to love the 'hills of home.'

She attended Cove Grade School in Thatcher, Idaho and later graduated from Grace High School in 1948. Then she attended BYU in Provo, Utah and was very involved scholastically, religiously, and socially including being a Cougarette. She graduated with a degree in education. She loved school from the beginning, and it eventually became an even larger part of her life. During her college years she met and began dating Ray Lloyd from Grace. She became engaged the semester before graduating from BYU in June of 1952. It was in September of 1952 she and Ray Hall Lloyd were married in the Logan Temple and later became the parents of four children. It was just two years after marriage they moved into their first home on Main Street in Grace, Idaho where they raised their children, It is a place where grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren have known they are always welcome and where family has gathered to feel love, enjoy a good meal and each other's company. Many a homemade roll and cookie have been made for family and guests alike as well as a drawer full of chocolate waiting to be found.

It was in 1954 Barbara began teaching first grade at Grace Elementary and then in 1956 took a break for five years before going back to teach once again in 1961. Eventually she taught every grade in the elementary, and in 1969 she transferred to the junior high and started out teaching math but eventually taught other subjects as well. She taught for many years, influencing generations and as she would also say, "rubbing shoulders with some really neat people." She retired as a full-time teacher in 1999, and it was that year she walked out the back of the high school to see a wooden engraved sign being placed on the junior high which stated: 'Barbara Lloyd Jr. High School' It was an honor she did not anticipate but felt very blessed by. She did retire but continued unofficially teaching for three more years and then still continued to substitute whenever the school called. Teaching was in her blood.

She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions. It was not surprising many of those positions had to do with teaching whether on the ward or stake level. She was very dedicated to every calling she received. She was always grateful for the opportunity to serve and did so faithfully.

For many years she had the opportunity of having her mother live close by on their property. When her mother's health declined, she was close by to help, serve and care for her. Barbara's life was truly centered around her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even towards the end of her life, her concern was always "when was it time to go to Church?" Her testimony and dedication will be felt by many generations to come. As she would say, "May the blessings of Heaven forever be thine."

She is survived by Leslie Rae Johnson (Stanley)-American Fork, Utah, Diane Lloyd (daughter-in-law)-Salt Lake City, Utah, Susan Kimball-Grace, Idaho, Stephanie Christensen (Kasey)-Riverton, Utah, fourteen grandchildren, forty-six great grandchildren and three great, great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers (Dale and Edwin), her husband (Ray Hall Lloyd), a son (Scott Smith Lloyd), and son-in-law (LaRon Kimball).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Grace, Idaho Stake Center, 404 South Main Street. A viewing will be held Friday, January 16 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the same location as well as prior to services Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Grace City Cemetery.