Norma Jean Smith

Norma Jean Smith GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - Norma Jean Switzer Smith, 83, died Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, UT. Norma Jean was born December 23, 1925 to Bryan and Sylvia Switzer in Green River, Wyoming. She was the second daughter born to this couple, her sister, Grace was four years old at the time. Norma Jean grew up in Green River and attended grade school and high school there. She continued her education at Western Wyoming Community College. In 1946, she was united in marriage to Bert O. Smith, her returning soldier from World War II. They were married in Evanston, Wyoming at the Episcopal Church by the Rev. Sid Hoadley. Her sister Grace was Matron of Honor and Max Randall was Best Man. The Smiths settled in Green River where both were employed by the U.P.R.R. Their family of three daughters were born there. Norma Jean left her employment to care for her children, but later returned to the work force. Norma Jean wore several hats throughout her lifetime. She was employed as a clerk and secretary for the Union Pacific Railroad, telephone operator at the time prior to dial telephone, and moved from there to a position with the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s office and worked as a Deputy Sheriff until the time she moved on to General Chemical to work in various capacities until her retirement in 1986. N.J. was an active citizen in Green River. She worked in many organizations including the Girl Scouts, V.F.W., Royal Neighbors, Christian Women’s Club, and St. John’s Episcopal Church. She was a devout Democrat and worked in the area of support for the Democratic Party. She had many volunteer hours in many places. After 34 years of marriage, her husband, Bert, suffered a massive heart attack and died on September 3, 1980. N.J. continued to live in their family home and work at General Chemical. A very special friend, Leland Peterson, of both the family and N.J.’s, was a part of her life as a companion and dear friend. Survivors include her oldest daughter, Sparkle (Alex) Juancorena and her children, Tina (Ian) Veyes and Patrick; second daughter, Grace (Robert) Jensen and her children, Teri, Toni and Daniel; third daughter, Kathryn Smith and her children, Colleen (Mark) Eatman, Jolleen (Jesus) Marquez, and Ignatio; six great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bert, sister, Grace Stoll Youtz, a special nephew, Doug Stoll, whom shared some of his life with them, son-in-law, John Jensen, and her oldest grandson, J.B. Andicoechea. As per her wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial services will be held in the near future. Service time and place will be posted at a later date. Funeral Directors, Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT 84401. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com