Obituary: Luana P. Smith

Luana P. Smith 1918 ~ 2005 Luana Petersen Smith died May 26, 2005 of conditions incident to age, hard work, and a full life. Born in Alpine, October 5, 1918, oldest child of Conrad Petersen and Pearl Gerstner. With five younger brothers, all worked hard on the farm her grandparents had homesteaded. At age 16 her mother died. She helped her father raise the boys and missed graduating from high school. Little Charles, age nine, died shortly thereafter and a few years later, another brother, Louis, was killed in the war. In June 1938, she met Robert B. Smith on a blind date. They married in the Salt Lake Temple December 18, and lived in Draper four years before moving to Alpine with their two little boys into her grandma's old log home. They purchased farm land in Alpine and built a basement home where they welcomed three more children and eventually built on "top," but had difficulty borrowing money because as one banker put it, "We don't loan in Alpine, it's at the end of the road." Luana served friends and loved ones. Her willingness to speak her mind endeared her to many. Active in her church, she especially enjoyed being Relief Society secretary and teaching the three year olds. She loved working with her hands and was a skilled chocolate dipper, both professionally and for fun. She has made more than 1600 baby quilts which have been loved and worn out by babies all over the world. She loved to travel, anywhere, but always ended up back home in Alpine. A highlight came last year when she was award-ed her high school graduation certificate. No more will Luana meander the new sidewalks of Alpine, talking to all who would take the time. She was always welcoming towards the changes and people who became part of her Alpine. Luana will be greatly missed. Four brothers preceded her in death, Charles, Louis (Georgia), LeGrande, and Elwood (Hazel). She is survived by her brother, Clarence (Faye) Cedar Fort; four children, Alan (Susanne) Spanish Fork, Dennis (Veloy) Highland, Rayola (Frank Hardman) Highland, Ronald (Joanne) Highland. One son, Delane, died in 1984. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Brog (Terry) Phoenix, AZ; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and five great great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wed-nesday, June 1, in the Village Way Chapel, 901 East Village Way (100 South), Alpine. Friends may call Tuesday 6-8 at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork or Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial, Alpine Cemetery near Grandpa Petersen's juniper trees.