Mary "Jo" Smith

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” Beatitudes Our Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dearly treasured family “Matriarch” returned to our precious Lord and Christ on Thursday, April 28, 2011. She left her home peacefully, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with an extended illness. Born the only child of Marie H. and Franklin D. Rawson, Mary Jo Rawson left her Heavenly Father to join her earthly existence on March 23, 1937. Jo attended Ogden High School graduating June 1, 1955. She attended college at Weber State, working several odd jobs, before finally joining the work force at Hill Air Force Base. Jo worked with the Federal Women’s Program Coordinator where she laid the foundation for women’s career advancement still in use today throughout the Air Force Material Command. While at Hill AFB, Jo was an achieved member of the International Toastmistress Club, a past officer of the Hill Administrator’s Club and a 1984 graduate of the Air Command and Staff College. Jo retired from Hill AFB in 1987 only to obtain her Realtor’s License in 1988. All of these things Jo accomplished, but not before marrying her lifelong companion, best friend and husband, Jesse A. Smith. Jo and Jesse shared an everlasting love and life together that many people never find. They shared their lives with three children, Lisa (Jeffrey) Hannes, Meridian, ID; Judy (Ron) Bell, Clinton; and Phil J. Smith, Brigham City. Jo found Heaven on earth planning and executing family functions like water skiing Willard Bay, fishing the Gorge (or any other puddle they could find), quad running the Dunes, and golfing with her husband every day at Starr Valley Ranch. There was only one thing she loved more than all the playtime with her family, and that was the pleasure she took in sharing her devout faith in God and Christ with her family, friends, and anyone who would listen. Jo is survived by her husband, Jess and three children, five grandchildren, Becky (Tim) DeLeon, Phoenix City, AL; Adam (Brittany) Gallegos; Melissa (Chris) Fetter, Boise, ID; Jacob Gallegos, Clearfield; Tyler Hannes, Meridian, ID; and five great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Gavin, Ethan, Lucas, and Aubrey. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, grandson, Ryan Hannes, half-brother and many special aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family wishes to express infinite gratitude, love and appreciation to Jo’s very special friend and neighbor, Betty Schafer, and Jo’s friend of 67 years, Mae Leishman. Appreciation and love also for Jo’s closest friends, Ginny Blackner, Nadine Post, and Jeannie McKenzie. The family also remembers Jo’s and Jess’s special friends, Ron and Sharon Adams, Marie and Jim, and Bob and Sheryl Manning. The family remembers Jo’s special Hill AFB friends, Connis Nixon, Chris Jacobsen and Dona Porter who still gather for Christmas and lunches when they can. Jess, I will be waiting for you at the Pearly Gates! “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O, my God” Psalm 25 Memorial services will he held Tuesday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South. The family will meet with friends Tuesday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary. Cremation entrusted to Lindquist’s Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations be made to St. Anne’s Shelter, 893 -24th Street, Ogden, Utah 84401. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com