Karma Grismore

1935 - 2026

Karma Smith Grismore

1935 - 2026

Midvale, UT - Karma Smith Grismore passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, surrounded by love in the home of her son Mark in Midvale, Utah. She was lovingly cared for by her children Johnny, Mark, and Kristin, and by her devoted German Shepherd, Roxie. Her youngest daughter, Kristin, served as her medical power of attorney, ensuring her comfort and that all her medical needs were met with compassion and care.

Karma was born on September 7, 1935, to Jennings Brian Smith and Ethel Mills Smith. She spent her early years in Holbrook, Idaho; Big Hole, Montana; and Malad, Idaho, before eventually settling in Ogden, Utah.

She is survived by her siblings Rex (Sandy) Smith, James (Jean) Smith, and Yvonne Henderson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Frantzen Grismore; her sister, Lawana Herrmann; and her grandson, Jonathan Scott Perkins.

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Children

Karma leaves behind her five cherished children:

Alison Perkins, John Brian Grismore, Suzanne Grismore, Mark Frantzen Grismore, and Kristin Flinders.

She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy in her life.

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Grandchildren

Alison's family:

Jonathan Scott Perkins; Kevin Perkins (Irish) and their sons Tyler and Tarin; David Perkins and his son Nathan; Jessica (Monty).

Johnny's family:

Briaan Wilson (Ben) and their children Virginia, Violet, Vera, Gretta, and Fox; Grant; Gunnar (Sarah); Gavin; Lily (Brayden).

Suzanne's family:

Brandon (Nina) and their sons Braxton and Walker; Cage; Ian (Aniston); and Ty.

Mark's family:

Partner Sherri Stelly; Roxie their German Shepherd and Karma's devoted and constant companion.

Kristin's family:

Cole; Chase (Daisy); Victoria (Laroslav); Vance; Vanessa.

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Life of Service and Learning

Karma attended Weber State College's School of Nursing and was among the first graduates of its newly established two-year nursing program. She devoted 52 years to nursing, retiring from The Salt Lake Clinic at the age of 72.

Early in her career, she worked as a surgical nurse in the operating room of President Russell M. Nelson during the development of early cardiopulmonary bypass machines. She often spoke of how sacred and humbling it was to lift a still heart from a patient's chest, return it, and watch it begin to beat again.

Life was sacred to her, and her example inspired her daughters Kristin and Suzanne to follow her into the nursing profession.

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Marriage, Faith, and Patriotism

Karma met John Frantzen Grismore during sacrament meeting on a beautiful spring Sunday. They were married just weeks later April 1, 1955, and were sealed by Apostle Stephen L. Richards. Together they designed and minted the 1971 Silver Liberty Medallion and instilled in their family a deep love for patriotism and constitutional principles, inspired by the teachings of Prophet Ezra Taft Benson.

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A Mind That Never Stopped Learning

A lifelong learner, Karma was rarely without a library card and a tall stack of books by her bed. She read daily to her grandchildren from infancy and became the family's trusted source of knowledge long before Google existed.

She recited intergenerational poetry so often that it will always echo in the hearts and minds of her family.

"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,

As to be hated needs but to be seen;

Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,

We first endure, then pity, then embrace."

- Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man (Epistle II)

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier-

not that the nature of the task has changed,

but our ability to do has increased."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

She was also the family genealogist and historian. When meeting someone new, Karma could explain exactly how they were related-by blood or marriage. Anyone born in Salt Lake City could safely be greeted as "Cousin."

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Legacy of Faith and Love

Karma was known for her beautifully handwritten cursive letters, each thoughtfully composed and always ending with her testimony of the Gospel.

Her greatest loves were her family; the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the Atonement; and the sustaining support of our Father in Heaven through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In her final weeks-pain free and at peace-Karma could often be seen air-knitting in her sleep, skillfully finishing the seam of an invisible blanket with practiced hands. A master teacher of knitting and crocheting, her legacy of faith, family, learning, and love is woven enduringly into the lives of all who knew her.

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Funeral and Memorial Information

In accordance with Karma's wishes, there will be no traditional mortuary service or speakers.

Viewing (Open to the Public)

Russon Bountiful Mortuary

295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah

Saturday, January 31st from 1:00 -2:00 PM

The family will hold a private graveside service and dedication of the grave at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

If you would like to contact the family please email or call them at:

johnbgrismore@gmail.com / 502-264-3876