RaeEllen Miller Smith

RAEELLEN MILLER SMITH passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, in her home in Hurricane, Utah, surrounded by her children and several grandchildren, following a short struggle precipitated by a fall. RaeEllen was born November 11, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Grant & LaVerne Miller. She grew up in their modest home on Highland Drive in Holladay, where she relished life in the rural country atmosphere. RaeEllen was somewhat of a tomboy and loved being the catcher on her ward softball team. She also loved playing tennis on the court her father built. She and her sisters, Irene and Louise, were often called upon to perform as a violin trio with their oldest sister, MaryAnn, accompanying them on the piano. They shared their talents in many wards in the Holladay area. RaeEllen graduated from Olympus High School in 1966, and started working for Mountain Bell phone company that summer, and was there until Mikes military duty in the U.S. Coast Guard took them from their childhood homes in 1970. She and her eternal companion, Larry (Mike) Smith were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on February 19, 1969, 6 weeks after his return from his mission in Australia. She faithfully waited and prepared so they could become eternal mates as soon as practical. As she raised her 7 beautiful children, she often took on side jobs to be able to provide needed benefits for them. Not the least of which was the extra funds needed to pay for missions for 5 of the 7. She did this primarily by doing evening demonstrations, all over the Wasatch Front, primarily for Relief Society groups, for the Rhodes frozen bread dough company. Virtually everyone would enjoy the leftovers she would bring home after the demos, especially Shawn and his friends! Leaving the high school, they would race to her kitchen counter for lunch devouring her delicious creations. RaeEllen was a fighter. In 1998 she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and the thought of not being able to raise her growing family was devastating to her. Confident that the Lord knew her and answered prayers, she bargained with Him that if He would allow her to live to raise her children, she would serve Him daily by doing a service for someone. For almost 28 years she faithfully labored to keep that promise! And God not only allowed her to raise her family, but allowed her the joy that comes from being a grandmother and even a great grandmother – joys she will forever treasure. She was the consummate homemaker. She sewed clothes for all of her children, bottled 100’s of quarts of fruit, meat, vegetables, etc. She loved a tidy home and each of her children had daily chores that needed to be done before they left for school each morning. To this day they attribute their excellent work ethic to the example that their dedicated mother set. Her 28 grandchildren affectionately call her, the “muffin grandma”, because for several decades she has lovingly made them her signature banana muffins. Even after moving to Hurricane, any time she was expecting a visit from her family she would have banana muffins waiting, anticipating their arrival. RaeEllen was the light of our lives and the loss of that light will be felt for many years to come. She loved lighthouses and had pictures and small replicas around her home to remind everyone that Jesus Christ is the beacon light that we must all look to and follow, to safely navigate the troubling waters of life, and arrive in the harbor and safety of His loving embrace. An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, RaeEllen served in many capacities over 6+ decades. She loved the Young Women and Primary callings best and those she served loved her back. In 2006 she and Mike were called to serve as “ministers” in the Maricopa County Jail system where they faithfully served the incarcerated for almost 8 years. Both found this one of their most rewarding callings in the church. In 2012 she and Mike were called to serve as Military Relations Missionaries for 18 months serving the military community at Ft. Hood in Killeen Texas. This too was an amazing opportunity to serve the Lord and his children. She also served in the Gilbert, Arizona temple as a baptistry ordinance worker when the temple first opened. RaeEllen is survived by her husband of 57 years, L. Mike Smith, her 7 children, Michael (Kimberly Moody), Maquel (Aaron Crist), Tyson (Angie Eversole), Aanika (Lance Edwards), Shawn, Deardry (Clint Serr) and Camy (Jared Broderick), 28 grandchildren and soon to be 12 great grandchildren. Two brothers, Clark (DeAnn) Miller, Warren (Karen) Miller and her sister, Louise (Ron) Cefalo. She was preceded in death by her loving parents Grant and LaVerne Miller, sisters MaryAnn (Dave) Watson, Irene (Jerry) Hansen, and her first great grandchild, Maxwell Magnus Webb. The family will have a viewing at the LDS Colonial Building in Hurricane, UT (1500 S. 700 W) on June 4, 2026, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on June 5, 2026, at the Orchard Stake Center (3599 S. Orchard Dr., Bountiful, Utah) with a viewing from 5:00-6:15 p.m. and the funeral service from 6:30-7:30p.m. The following day, June 6, 2026, she will be transported to her final resting place in Vernon, Utah, where the grave will be dedicated at 11:00 am. Afterward a luncheon will be held at the Vernon LDS Chapel pavilion for family and friends. Mike wishes to thank the many wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive and caring during this difficult time. Your love and condolences have sustained him and will continue to sustain him for the years ahead.