Wallace Ridges Smith

Bountiful, UT - Wallace Ridges Smith affectionately known as "Wally," passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025 at the age of 93.

 Wallace Ridges Schmidt was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 10, 1931, to George H. and Arlene Ridges. They lived just 4 blocks west of Temple Square. The family moved to the east side of town to Yale Avenue when Wally was about 15 years old. He is the middle brother of Gilbert and Dennis with a baby sister, Gloria. The family surname was changed to "Smith" when Wally was 12 years old.

 He graduated from East High School in 1949. While in high school he was one of the star wide receivers on the football team. He loved to put on that uniform and participate in the games. He and his high school friends remained close throughout their lives. A bond that they enjoyed in monthly gatherings.

 He attended the University of Utah receiving a Bachelor's degree in business. He was a very successful salesman and always earned amazing trips by meeting the sale requirements quota for the year. 

Wally loved cars and driving them so much that by the age of 16, when he received his license to drive, he insisted that he be allowed to drive their new, stretch limousine Chrysler, the 3,000 miles to New York and back to see his older brother, Gil, play the part of Alma the Younger in the Palmyra pageant. Two years later, Wally was called to the Eastern States Mission and played the same role in the pageant for two more years. 

He married Judith Hale in the Logan Temple on July 21st, 1954. They started their family in South Salt Lake and later moved to Bountiful. They were blessed with 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. He loved watching his children excel and was their biggest cheerleader, never missing an event. They later divorced and he married Cecil Burr in the Salt Lake Temple on June 30, 1990 and added her two children to the family. 

Wally was active in scouting and priesthood quorums with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the chance to be in roadshows and was usually picked for a leading role due to his good looks and his golden tan. He had a real talent and love for singing and was a member of a competitive barbershop quartet for 25 years. 

Wally was a friend to all and a devoted family man. He was a perfectionist in anything he put his mind to whether it be sports, mechanics, singing, or gardening. He loved working in his yard almost as much as he loved to golf. The true love of his life was his wife, Cecil. They would have celebrated 35 years this coming June. 

Wally loved his family and his Savior. He remained an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life. He held many callings and never missed an opportunity to serve. He will be missed immensely. Special thanks goes to Monument Health Group in taking such tender care of him this past year. 

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gloria, older brother Gil and Cecil's son Shawn Goodspeed. He is survived by his wife Cecil, younger brother Dennis, sons Ron (Annie) Woods Cross, Utah; Randy (Sue) Littleton, Colorado; Jerry (Tammy) Centerville, Utah; Judd (Lori) Bountiful, Utah; daughter Shelly (Cal Pitts) Cedar Hills, Utah and Cecil's daughter Barbara Walton Ogden, Utah. His posterity includes 36 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

 A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00am on Saturday, February 8 at the Mueller Park 3rd Ward meetinghouse - 1825 S 800 E, Bountiful UT. 84010. Interment at Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 E. Lakeview Dr. Bountiful UT. Flowers may be sent to Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary 727 N 400 E, Bountiful, UT. 84010.

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