Grant Smith

1939 - 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, and father, Grant Clayton Smith, who passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 86, living in Pahrump, NV, with his wife, Irene.

Grant was born on May 6, 1939, to Eugene and Cristel Smith, in Driggs, ID, in his grandmother's kitchen. He was the first of seven children, 5 boys and 2 girls. He grew up in Idaho and graduated from Bonneville High School.

In 1959, at the age of 20, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Grant attended Utah State University, then began working at Western Airlines in 1959 as a baggage handler. During this time, he met Karen Harris. They were married on May 15, 1960. The couple moved to Los Angeles to start their new life together. Grant attended a trade tech school to become a licensed airline mechanic. He also earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying with his friends.

While in the Los Angeles area, they were blessed with three children, Robin, Rhonda, and Darin. In 1966, they moved to Great Falls, MT while Grant continued to work for the airlines and fly in his spare time. Their fourth child, Carma, was born in 1968. In 1971, Grant faced heartbreak when Karen tragically passed away after an extended battle with breast cancer.

In November 1972, he met Irene Franklyn at a Single Adult Conference in Phoenix, Az. Irene lived in California with her 3 children, Jennie, Becky, and Mitch. They fell in love and combined their families, marrying on June 16, 1973. They settled in Great Falls, and bought a 40-acre farm in Fort Shaw, MT. Grant continued to work for Western Airlines and farmed in his "free" time. In 1974 and 1976, Michael and Lisa were added to their family.

In 1979, Grant transferred to Phoenix, AZ to work for Western Airlines that became Delta Airlines. He commuted until the rest of the family joined him in the Phoenix area in 1980. Eventually, Grant bid for a spot in Salt Lake City, UT, and the family relocated there in 1982.

In 1986, they purchased a 30-acre farm in Rush Valley, UT, (can't take the farm out of the farm boy!) and moved there in August 1987 with their remaining children, Mike and Lisa. He continued to serve in various callings in his church, including the Ward Bishop 1999 - 2004. In November 2005, they both retired. In 2014, they moved to Pahrump, NV to be near their daughter, Lisa. Enjoying the retired life, they traveled around the western United States in their RV visiting family and friends.

Grant is survived by his wife, Irene Smith of 52 years; his children, Robin Olson (Monty), Rhonda Hatfield (Doug), Darin Smith (Kristen), Jennifer Adams, Rebecca Smith, Carma Smith, Mitchell Smith (Christina), Michael Smith (Jay), and Lisa Smith (Kari). He is also survived by his siblings, Mabel Tomchak (Burleigh), Martha Johnson (Bruce), Buzz Smith, and Ben Smith (Shauna). He will also be missed by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Karen; his brothers, Harry and Max; his son-in-law, John Adams; his granddaughter, Callie Jo Smith; nephews, Troy and Trent Smith; and their beloved dog, Maggie.

Grant had a tremendous work ethic, as evidenced by his tendency to awaken his kids early on the weekends by playing Marty Robbins loudly and telling them "Get up, half the days gone!" This is still remembered fondly and instilled a love of accomplishment and a drive to succeed.

He loved his family fiercely and was quick to help where he could. Grant had a tough time sitting still and always had a project or something to fix in his shop. He was an active member of his church and enjoyed studying the scriptures and researching genealogy. He loved spending time with his family and practically glowed when everyone was together having fun.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, at Wood East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior, both visitations at Wood East Side. Burial will be in the Darby Cemetery in Driggs, Idaho.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his words and actions will live on forever in our hearts.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.