Helen Irene "Shirley" Smith

Helen “Shirley” Smith 
Richfield, Utah

Helen Irene Duncan Smith, AKA Shirley, Richfield passed away January 8, 2025 in Richfield at the age of 95. Born February 22, 1929 in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. Her growing up years were spent traveling with everything they owned packed in a car from military base to military base along the western United States’ coast until the family secured boarding status in California. 

Shirley was blessed with a sharp mind and valuable home and office skills which were used to help care for the younger children in the family. She worked as clerical staff at the Cathedral Girls’ High School. Caring for the children, keeping the house clean and preparing meals were also her daily responsibilities. 

Shirley never owned a drivers license and walked wherever she had to go. 

On February 22, 1961, in Las Vegas she married her true love, Everett Wilmot Smith, who loved and cared for her. They were a great team and serving each other was how they lived every day. Upon his retirement from the Chula Vista Fire Department, they relocated to Richfield, bought a home with cash. 

Following their move to Richfield, Everett built his workshop. He had a natural skill with working with wood. However, he never got a chance to work in it as he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died shortly thereafter. Once again Shirley’s caretaker skills came into play as she cared for him prior to his death. 

Shirley joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked for 30+ years at the Family History Center, a calling which was originally meant to be for 2 years. She loved working on Everett’s line. Former friendships were often lost as they learned of her membership in the church. 

Meticulous in everything she did, she excelled at gathering Everett’s genealogy information. It was a way to serve him after his passing.

She was gifted in needle work, such as knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Among her many projects, she crocheted her own sweaters, knitted socks for Everett, and over the years provided thousands of embroidered Christmas gifts to her friends. One of her passions was keeping a stamp collection. 

She is survived by her grandson: Jason (Billie) Carlton, California; 2 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. 

Preceded in death by her husband; parents, Herbert Duncan and Helen Irene Brayton, and her daughter, Susan Carlton Bozak. 

Special thanks to the staff at the Beehive Home and Stonehenge facilities. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield. Viewing will be Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Richfield Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Irene Duncan Smith, please see the Magleby website.