Ivalou Smith

Today, we gather to honor the incredible life of IvaLou Smith, who passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Lou’s life was a testament to love, strength, and devotion, a legacy that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Lou was born on January 21, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bill and Lucy McClurg. She grew up in Farmington, Utah, and graduated from Davis High School. In her early years, she married Bernard Lavern Smith and spent that part of her life traveling as a military wife. Together, they were blessed with seven children. While their marriage eventually ended, Lou’s dedication to her family never wavered. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest treasures, and she poured her heart into creating a home filled with love and warmth. 

 She was a hardworking and accomplished woman, spending her career as a Quality Assurance Manager at Max Factor and Futura. There she made many friends and took immense pride in her work, earning multiple perfect attendance awards. After 17 years of dedicated service, she retired from Futura in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and commitment.

Family was the cornerstone of Lou’s life. She cherished time with her family, making it a priority to take her grandchildren to the park and ensuring every one of them had a chance to spend time with her. Whether camping, baking, or enjoying a simple outing, she made every moment with her loved ones special and memorable.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sitting on her back patio, soaking in the warmth of the sun, and watching the birds and jets as they flew overhead. She would often say that the sound of the jets symbolized freedom to her. Her vegetable and flower gardens flourished each summer, reflecting her care and nurturing spirit. She also adored roses and sunflowers, incorporating them into almost every room of her home.

Christmas was a particularly special time for Lou. She dedicated an entire month each year to preparing for her family’s Christmas party, baking and decorating cookies, making banana bread, and creating a festive atmosphere that her loved ones cherished. Her cookies and banana bread were legendary, and everyone eagerly looked forward to enjoying them each year. Her parties were filled with love, laughter, and joy, a reflection of the warmth she brought to every gathering. Beyond her own celebrations, she also loved visiting Rainbow Gardens during the holiday season, soaking in the magic of Christmas and sharing her excitement with her family.

Lou was active, and might I add stubborn up until her very last days. She had an extraordinary memory and could name all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great grandchildren. She could recall every birthday and special moment in her family’s lives and always made sure to call for each and every one of them. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen and loved. Her kindness, patience, and love were the foundation of her family’s bond.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Carolyn Combs, her two infant sons Randy and Ricky, and her grandson Greg Weyburn. She is survived by her brother, along with his wife, Doug and Jo McClurg of Afton, WY; her five children and their spouses Dennis and Sue Smith of Liberty, UT, Curt and Cindi Smith of Layton, UT, Mark Smith of Myrtle Creek, OR, Julie and Ted Jamison of Clinton, UT, and Jae and Callie Smith of Layton, UT. Along with 20 grandchildren and their spouses; 15 great-grandchildren and their spouses; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

IvaLou’s life was one of quiet strength, boundless love, and countless acts of kindness. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories she created and the example she set. She was the true definition of a matriarch. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday January 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. 

Interment, Farmington City Cemetery