Marla Kleinman

Marla Dee Smith Kleinman

October 29, 1954 ~ May 8, 2015

Marla Dee Smith Kleinman, age 60, of Uintah Utah passed away on Friday, May 8, 2015 in her home surrounded by her family.  Marla was born on October 29, 1954 to Howard and JoAnne Smith in Flagstaff, Arizona.  She spent most of her childhood in Sierra Vista, Arizona where she excelled in church activities, sports and in playing the piano. Upon graduating from Buena High School in 1972 Marla attended Northern Arizona University.  Marla excelled at many jobs throughout her life, including insurance specialist, waitress, Red Cross coordinator, and Respiratory Therapy Technician.  A positive force wherever she worked, her bubbly upbeat personality always brought a smile to the faces of co-workers and customers.

While living in Phoenix, Arizona, Marla met the love of her life Phillip Graden Kleinman. On July 15, 1978 they were married for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. Marla was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother who gave her family unwavering support and love through all of life’s challenges.  She always seemed to know what to say or do to uplift others, from sending cards, to baking homemade cinnamon rolls or even playing Christmas carols in July on the family’s piano.

Marla was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and diligently fulfilled many callings, including primary teacher, pianist, and Cub Scout den leader. Despite continual health challenges, Marla lived an exemplary life of service and faith that led many to seek her healing touch of unequaled compassion, and she was beloved by all those lucky enough to know her.

Marla is survived by her husband, Philip Graden Kleinman (USAF retired); her mother, Joanne Devaney Smith; her children, James, Phillip (Marjory) and William (Heather); three siblings, Gary Smith, William Smith, and Karen Smith; and four grandchildren: Felicity, Chandler, Weston and Andrew. Marla was preceded in death by her beloved father, Howard Rolfe Smith.

A Funeral Service celebrating Marla’s life will be held at on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Uintah 2 ^nd Ward Chapel, 6660 South 1775 East. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the church.  Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.  Interment,Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale Utah on May 18 ^th .

Flowers may be sent to the Kleinman home at 6847 South 1650 East Uintah Utah 84405.