Grandma Smith

My sweet Grandma, Darla Jean Anderson Smith, passed away on April 30, 2011. She was an amazing woman! She was sweet and kind and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She happily served everyone around her and never expected anything in return. I have so many fond memories of going to visit her as a little girl--a cookie jar that was always full, the best homemade jam and pickles, eating rhubarb from her garden, Grandma bringing lemonade to us in our haystack fort, going into "town" for a treat, coloring pictures of the horses, playing on the farm equipment and playing Dominoes and Rummikub for hours. She loved games! And, just recently, calling her to see who her favorite was on "American Idol" or "Dancing With the Stars" which she watched regularly.


My Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day and while dating



Celebrating my Grandma's 80th birthday last summer


My brothers and sisters were all able to come for the funeral. They came to Salt Lake and then we all drove to Rupert, Idaho together. It was so nice to be with them and my dad and see our aunts, uncles and cousins too. It was a quick trip so we left the kids with Don's parents, knowing that it would be hard for them to sit still so much.

The funeral service was really nice. The grandsons sang "I am a Child of God" together and even though it was off key, there is something neat about a bunch of men singing. My sister, Sena, and cousin, Susan, did a great job at the life sketch and made us all laugh and cry. All the granddaughters did a medley of Primary songs and then the oldest, cousin, Kevin spoke. It was a nice tribute to Grandma Smith.


Grandma's house and the farm



My dad and all of us kids



My brothers and cousins-Pallbearers


My dad and his siblings







After the funeral, we all went back to my Grandma's house and each of the granddaughters got to pick out a few pieces of my Grandma's jewelry to remember her by. It meant so much to all of us. Then, my Uncle Jack went and put on my Grandpa's old World War 2 uniform because he was the only one that could fit in it. It was nice to be together, share memories and laugh.

I will miss my Grandma but I am happy that she finally gets to be with my Grandpa again, who passed away 9 years ago. I know she missed him so much. We love you Grandma!