June 4, 1949 – November 26, 2021 (age 72)
Lauritz Kay Smith, 72, died peacefully on Thanksgiving morning November 25, 2021 in Dayton, Idaho, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 4, 1949 in Murray, Utah to excited parents Kay Lauritz and Norma Boulter Smith. He grew up on a poultry farm in the Draper, Utah foothills, where he learned to work and gained a lifelong love for animals and the outdoors. Lauritz graduated from Jordan High School in 1967 and was later called as a missionary to the Southwest Indian Mission, where he gained an unwavering love for Navajo culture, people from all walks of life, and Jesus Christ. He had met a cute girl, Lynda Jarvis, in high school, and when he got back they got back together and have rarely been apart since. Lauritz and Lynda were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 10, 1971. You were blessed with eight children whom he loved very much.
Together they began their adventures in humble circumstances, yet were always blessed to have the essentials. Lauritz began a sustainable career in agriculture and was proud and very blessed to be a farmer. He ran many dairies across Utah and continued to do so, making major moves with his family to Alaska and eventually Idaho. During these many moves, he was always grateful to his employers and to those who worked for him. He helped each of his children and many young men understand the importance of work and a job well done. After years in the dairy industry, Lauritz finally got his own place in Dayton, Idaho, where he felt so blessed to raise hay, registered Angus and Australian Shepherds.
Lauritz was a real learner who loved books and reading. As a result, he always had something to talk to anyone about. Whether it was piles of library books, farming magazines, seminars, or the wisdom of others, he sought and was able to soak up knowledge and information in ways that amazed his family. He made sure his children and grandchildren knew the importance of learning and advancing – intellectually, spiritually, and in every other way.
His wisdom was only matched by his wit and sense of humor. Lauritz always had a joke, pun, or story that you knew would put a smile on your face and often make your eyes water when he tried not to laugh at what he was saying would have. These little moments and his sincere care and conversation will be missed by many. He saw the beauty and power of simple things and valued every raindrop, every bowl of ice cream and every person who touched his life.
Our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend Lauritz Smith loved the Lord and lived His life with faith at every step. He served faithfully in many church callings over the years, including many years on the council and as a bishop. He loved serving others and never found it a burden. He was famous for baking his fried bread and sharing it with family and friends. Only a few years ago he was able to return with Lynda to serve a mission to the Farmington New Mexico Mission, where they showed love and service to the Navajo people he loved so much. Together they also served faithfully in the Logan Temple, where Lauritz made many dear friends. He anxious to move on to the next step, and while we will miss him terribly, we know he will be busy continuing his example of diligent service.
Lauritz leaves behind his loving wife Lynda and seven children: Jeremy (Katie) Smith, Brandon (Mindy) Smith, Cassie (Doug) Johns, Holly (Adam) Davis, Melissa (Landon) Wiser, Hannah (Jake) Oyler, and Tanner (Leisha ) Smith. He leaves behind 21 grandchildren, four grandchildren in law and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Craig (Becky) Smith, Ruthann (Wayne) Swenson, Frances Simmonds, Robyn Theuerer, Kelli Smith, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Renae (Bart) Mangum, Sheri Jarvis, Shana Butz, and Glenn (Lori). Jarvis and many nieces and nephews whom he also loved very much.
In death he was preceded by his parents Kay and Norma Smith; in Laws, Wes and Daphene Jarvis; Sister Tari; Sister-in-aw, Karen; and his beloved daughter Megan – whose reunion he was most looking forward to.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Clifton First Ward Chapel, 170 W 100 N, Clifton, Idaho.
The services are streamed live and can be followed on Wednesday at 11 a.m. (MST) at the following link: https://youtu.be/ap8Vja4g2_I
Viewing takes place at the Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S 800 E, Preston, Idaho on Tuesday evening November 30th from 6:00 pm-8:00pm and Wednesday, December 1st from 9:30 am-10:30pm in the church in front of the Funeral.
The funeral will take place in Dayton City Cemetery.
Memories and condolences can be shared with family at webbmortuary.com
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