Lora Smith

Lora Jean Smith

April 26, 1933 ~ October 23, 2015

Lora Jean Smith was born April 26, 1933 in Pocatello, Idaho. The daughter of Oscar Eldon Smith and Ora Ethelind Walker. Growing up Lora Jean lived in Rockland, Idaho and Idaho Falls, Idaho while her father worked on the construction of the new LDS Temple.

Lora Jean attended Ogden High School and Weber College. She graduated from Weber in 1954 with and Associate B.S. and then attended the University of Utah and graduated with B.S. and Elementary Teaching Certificate in 1956.

Loar Jean taught three years in Ogden and was awarded a graduate assistantship to Brigham Young University, where she woked on her Mater's Degree in Elementary Education while supervising the Student Teachers. In 1966 she received her Master's Degree from BYU in Elementary Instruction and Arts. Her Master's Thesis was written after she conducted a study to teach Elementary Children Democracy through the Utilization of America's traditional patriotic symbols.

Lora Jean taught gradse 1-6 but especially liked the fourth grade. She felt fourth graders were old enough to be independent, listen, and follow instructions. The arts were her favorite subects, she often encouraged her school children to enter local competitions in poetry and art. Lora Jean also enjoyed doing puppet programs, and musical productions involving more than one grade in school.

She taught at Oakridge Elementary School from the time of its construction until her retirement, having taught 30 years. Because of a special retirement program, Lora Jean was able to reitre early.

Since 1980 Lora Jean raised her nephew, Brandon Smith, after the death of his mother. Lora Jean taught him to love and understand poetry, which he will always cherish. Lora Jean is very proud of Brandon. She has seen him graduate from Skyline High School. He is now furthering his education at the University of Washigton in Seattle.

Since retirment, Lora Jean has entered a completely new field, owning and operating he own bed and breakfast guesthouse. It took a lot of hard work and perserverance to get things arranged for this new endeavor. She considers her business to be a success having enjoyed being able to meet with guests from all over the United States and the World.

Lora Jean had a lovely home, it was built on one of the most pristine areas in the Salt Lake Valley. When you entered you felt peace and warmth surround you her yard took up. She spent most of her time during the summer months gardening and maintaining her swimming pool, which she enjoyed very much.

She also loved to travel and has been to Hawaii several times. She traveled to Mexico, throughout Western United States, Canada, Russia, Berlin, and Germany. Her travels proved an interesting and exciting experience, which increased her faith in the LDS Church.

Lora Jean was called to many positions in the church. She served faithfully. Some of her callings included: speech director, drama director, activity director, mia maid and beehive instructor, Sunday school secretary, and in-service leader in the Relief Society. Lora Jean enjoyed serving in the temple where she served as a temple receptionist.

In 2002, she sold her home in Salt Lake City and moved to St. George where she bought a home in Sunbrook. A couple years later she moved back to Midway where she could be closer to family.

She is survived by her brother, Stanley Eldon Smith; nephew, Brandon Michael Smith; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Eldon Smith and Ora Ethelind Walker.

Due to poor health, she moved to Jamestown Assisted Living in Provo, Utah, in 2008,

Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit the family on Wednesday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.