Obituary: SMITH, VERNA

Verna Mildred Timmins Smith1932 ~ 2013Verna Timmins Smith, 80, of Sandy, UT, died peacefully at home on 28 January 2013, due to sepsisand uncontrolled diabetes complicated by her love of chocolate and burnt almond fudge ice cream. :)Verna was born on November 8, 1932 to the late William Montana "Mont" and Mary Timmins. She spent youthful summers with her cousins in Smithfield, Utah and later graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. Verna married Paul Marston Smith in the Salt Lake Temple in 1952, and they raised their nine children in Utah and California. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many LDS church callings. Her favorites included Gospel Doctrine teacher, Relief Society teacher, and Webelos leader. She was spunkyshe was just released from serving in the primary nursery and also recently started taking guitar lessons. Verna loved collecting unique and beautiful things, especially from her travels. She and her husband served two LDS missionsfirst in Athens, Greece and then a CES mission at the University of Arkansas. In between their missions, they lived in Port Angeles, Washington on Lake Sutherland and ran a bed and breakfast. She was married to her beloved husband, Paul, for 53 years before he passed away in 2006. She had been anxiously awaiting joining him in the hereafter.Verna patterned her life after the scripture Mosiah 4:26 by taking in, caring for, and loving many individuals, including foreign exchange students, her children's friends and college roommates, the unemployed, and the homeless. She stayed connected to many of them for life; once you are hers, you are hers forever. Her home had an open door policy, and everyone was welcome. Her love had no bounds. She loved taking care of people and always had good things to say about everyone. Her life touched so many for good. Verna had the biggest heart of anyone we know. She taught her children, grandchildren, and everyone around her of the importance of personal responsibility and good choices. She loved spending time with family and was literally surrounded by her loved ones as she passed. We will forever remember her oft-repeated words: "Work hard; Study hard; Pray hard."She is survived by her brother Jim Timmins; brother-in-law Bob Bailey; sisters-in-law Theda Timmins and Lola Timmins; children Ole (Dena), Stuart (Shar), Monta (Rob) Thomas, Catie (Steve) Hobbs, Robert, Carol (Bryce) Baker, Karen (Sam) Ouimette, David (Carol), and Daniel (Valerie); 44 grandchildren; 44 (and counting) great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; daughter Paula; grandson Bryce Greener II; brothers David and Bill Timmins; and sister, Margaret Bailey.A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, 31 January at at the LDS church at 8735 South Harvard Park Drive in Sandy. Friends may also call on the family before the service, starting at 2:00 p.m. in the same location. In lieu of flowers, Verna and the family request donations be given to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to your local food bank.