Verla Smith

Verla Ludlow Smith

1921 – 2014

Verla passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 6, 2014, while home, at the age of 90.  She is now with those she has sorely missed and loved.  She was anxious to be with her beloved husband, Horace Butler Smith, who preceded her in death.

Verla was born on February 15, 1924, in Venice, CA to her parents, Alvin and Rachael Ludlow.  She was the third child of eight children.  Verla was raised and lived most of her life in Southern California.  She enjoyed living near her loving sisters and brother and saw them when possible.  At the age of 7 years old she wanted to learn to play the cello.  Becoming an accomplished cellist by the time she was 14 years old, she was playing first chair in orchestras and also performed for KFI Radio.  Verla continued to play her cello throughout her life.  In 1998-1999, she was called on a LDS service mission in SLC, UT.  While serving there, she also had many opportunities to perform in the Joseph Smith Building chapel meetings.  She loved her mission.  For the past 7 years, she and other musicians monthly preformed the prelude music in her ward.  Verla sometimes wrote the music for her cello, creating parts that she would play when none were available.  She enjoyed their performances together and looked forward to the next one.  We will not forget the beautiful sound of her cello or the feelings we shared as she played.  Verla was sealed to her husband, Horace Butler Smith in the Los Angeles, LDS Temple on November 20, 1979.  They shared many loving, memorable years together.  Now they are together again.

Verla had so many home enriching talents, such as; upholstering, sewing, creating window coverings, and more.  Her motto was: “I can make that…”

Her home was immaculate and her yard was beautiful.  She sewed clothes, cut hair, and kept all of us fashionable.  She taught how to eat healthier foods.  It was important that the family’s appearance was in good taste.

She was passionate about being a wife, mother, and grandmother.  Her happiest times were with her family.  She very much loved, and was proud of her 6 children, 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.  She loved them and was proud of them too.  We love you, mom.  You will be greatly missed.

She has resided in Layton, Utah during the last 13 years of her life.  Church members and friends were an important part of her wellbeing.  Verla felt very blessed to have such devoted people in her life.  Verla loved them and appreciated their kindness and service.  Verla passed away in her sleep on April 6, 2014, at home her family nearby.  Her doctor and the home hospice service staff were so helpful to Verla and her children to the end.  Our family is grateful for making her last days more comfortable, and for honoring her last wishes.

Verla is survived by her daughter; Beth (Robert) Macfarlane, son; Gary (Sheri) Burley, daughter; Terry (William) Eccleston, daughter; Robin (Brant) Monson, son; Richard (Cindy) Smith, daughter; Leslie (William) Sheppard and her three sisters; Alta, Donna, and Mary.

Preceded in death by her husband, Horace Butler Smith and four siblings.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 18, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Layton Valley View Stake Center, 1589 E. Gentile Street, Layton.  Friends may visit family Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church.  Interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery, West Covina, CA.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.