Wilma Susan Harris Smith Obituary (1927 - 2021)

The following announcement was printed in the Grace, Idaho newspaper one week after my birth on November 27, 1927. “A beautiful little daughter delivered.” Bright as a diamond, pure as a pearl, everyone rejoices at such a little girl. That little girl, who first saw the light of day, is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Byron M. Harris of Lago. Dad is mighty proud over the project. Dr. Jeotte was present when old man stark landed with the precious little bit of cargo. I was born at home non the Harris Homestead Ranch situated in a fertile valley near the Rocky Mountains located in the southeastern corner of the state of Idaho. Every spring during my early childhood I climbed the sagebrush and wild flower carpeted hill that stood south of our ranch house. I often sat on stone outcropping. A great vantage point to view the picturesque valley below. My eyes followed the willow lined meandering creek until it disappeared down the valley. I enjoyed the sights and sounds of animals grazing in the fields and the melodies of birds building their nests in the cottonwood trees below. Meadow Larks in the valley meadows trilled “Lago Valley is a pretty little place.” I was 10 years old when my father dies at the age of 48 on July 4, 1038. My mothers older brother Eldon and I moved in September of that year to be near mother’s extended family who resided in Ogden, Utah. My primary education was completed in the Ogden city schools. In 1943 I was 16 when our country was at the height of World War II. During my junior year in high school, Mountain Bell Telephone and telegraph hired me to work 20 hours a week on evenings and weekends and 40 or more hours a week during the summer. My position provided the with funds for tuition and expenses to attend Weber Jr. College, where I obtained an Associate of Science Degree. I married Robert Austin Smith on January 29, 1949. We resided a home in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. My greatest blessings in life are my three children, daughter Susan Michele, her husband Alex Trujillo, son Randall, daughter Claudia Diane, her husband Jon Keyworth. My family now includes nine beautiful and handsome grandchildren and of this date 32 outstanding great grandchildren. My husband and I bought Dorrington a small contracting company. we eventually acquired several commercial properties in Denver. I was manager of our office building in Wheatridge, Colorado. When we divorced in 1980 I moved to Ogden, Utah. This enabled me to be near my mother Mabel Farr Harris Decker and my loving darling stepfather, Clyde Decker. Three years later when both had passed away, I moved to Sacramento, California, obtained a position as Executive Administrative Assistant to Lewis Young, President of Lincoln Railroad Car Company, a Lewis Young family owned business. Later I was appointed secretary of CLC Investment Co. Also a Young family owned business. When Lewis Young died in 1992, I retired and moved to Ventura, California which is situated in the Mediterranean climate of southern California. But most of all near my son Randall who was a practicing attorney in Ventura County. Researching, compiling and writing family history has been my lifetime hobby. Randall and I have written about the events that shaped our ancestors dreams and struggles as they traveled to new frontiers. I am proud of my forefathers and mothers who displayed courage and fortitude when they sought a better way of life. I have resided in Idaho, Utah, Colorado and California. Each location expanded my horizons added a few sorrows, but for the most part gave me sunshine and enrichment. When my son Randall retired as an attorney in Ventura County California, we moved to a complex known as “The Farr Orchard Townhome” in Ogden, Utah. The homes were built on property once used as a fruit orchard once owned by Lorin Farr, the first Mayor of Ogden. My great grandfather Winslow Farr Jr. was the youngest brother of Lorin Farr. I am a member of the Ogden, Lorin Farr LDS 6th Ward Church. Family ties are strong! I was 93 years old when on January 21, 2021 a gentle wind blew across the land, reaching out to take my hand on the wind the Angels came calling out my name. Now to Heaven sent, on Angel wings a Heavenly flight, I departed this world on the journey home toward the light. I leave the following message for my friends, acquaintances and extended family… Remember me when wild flowers carpet the hill side. Remember me when you scent the coming rain. Remember me when skies of setting sun are molten Gold. Remember I shall know your voice and soul We shall hug and reminisce on that happy day when we meet once again! To extended family and friends – A memorial and celebration of our life together may be held at a later date… Time and place may be announced in the near future. Goodbye for now!