Santos Smith

March 30, 1934 – February 23, 2023

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Santos “Sandy” Smith, who passed away peacefully on February 23, 2023, in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming. She was born on March 30, 1934, in Allen Farm, Texas. She is preceded in death by parents Daniel and Romana Garza, (Step-Mother) Trinidad Garza, siblings; Daniel Garza, Margarita Garza, Feliciana Garza, Samuel Garza, Trinidad Acosta, Susanna Gomez, Luisa Garcia (Rodrigo), son, David John Smith, and grandson David Lane Almond. She leaves behind her husband of sixty-seven years Norman B. Smith, children; Debra Almond (R. Grant), Susan Bitter (Wade) along with eleven grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren, siblings; Mary Valadez (Hector), Carolina Garza, and Rudolf (Rudy) Garza.

Santos had a happy childhood growing up on a Texas cotton farm until the age of fourteen when she contracted Tuberculosis. Her determination and perseverance helped her survive that deadly disease, which was a testament to her strength of character.

In 1953, Sandy was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elder Norman Smith from Pocatello, Idaho. She married Norman on September 2, 1955, in the Idaho Falls Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity.

Throughout their married life, Sandy and Norman lived in Pocatello, Idaho; Great Falls, Montana; Casper, Wyoming; and finally, Salt Lake City, Utah. It was in Salt Lake City that Sandy served as an Ordinance Worker in the Salt Lake City Temple, which she cherished for over twenty years. Her devotion to the temple was the love of her life, and she considered it an honor to serve there. Sandy also held various callings in the church, including Primary Teacher, Relief Society Homemaking Leader, Stake Young Women Counselor, and Visiting Teacher.

Apart from her love for the temple, Sandy had various interests and hobbies, including sewing, gardening, painting, cooking, making crafts, camping, and walking. She was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of unconditional love for her family and friends, unwavering faith, and unyielding dedication to service. Her legacy of strength, determination, and love will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 9:30 - 10:45 am at the Millcreek Stake Center, 4220 S. Jeannine Dr., Millcreek, Utah, prior to the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Park, West Valley, Utah. Flowers may be sent to Valley View Memorial, 4335 W. 4100 S, West Valley, Utah 84120, or ordered through www.valleyviewfuneral.com.