Cristel H. Smith

Cristel H. Smith, 91, of Idaho Falls, died Friday, November 12, 2010, at the Lily and Syringa Assisted Living Center. Cristel was born July 3, 1919, in Alta, Wyoming a daughter of Albert S. Hill and Jensine “Zina” Larsen Hill. She attended school in Driggs and graduated from Driggs High School in 1937. She lived in the Milo area since 1955. Cristel went back to school when she was in her 40’s and became a L.P.N. She worked at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls for 16 years. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed doing genealogy research, attending the temple, serving in the Primary and Sunday school. On April 17, 1938 she married Eugene “Nick” E. Smith in Driggs, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls L.D.S. Temple on April 17, 1976. She enjoyed embroidery work and made many sets of dishtowels and other personalized pieces for everyone in the family. She frequently made quilts for grandchildren when they were married. She always loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Everyone in the family loved her homemade bread which she made into her 80’s. She devoted her life to serving her family in any way she could, including keeping an immaculate house and preserving all the harvest of the family garden. She was always loved for her wise counsel, pure heart and patience. She never said no when asked to tend grandkids or great grandkids. Cristel is survived by her two daughters, Mabel (Burleigh) Tomchak of Roberts, Martha (Bruce) Johnson of Idaho Falls, five sons, Grant (Irene) Smith of Rush Valley, Utah, Max (Karen) Smith of Idaho Falls, Harry (Coleen) Smith of Delta, Utah, “Buzz” Smith of Idaho Falls, Benny (Shauna) Smith of Idaho Falls, 32 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 15 great great grandchildren. Cristel is preceded in death by her parents, husband Eugene “Nick” Smith, brothers Harry Crandall, Basil Hill, grandsons, Eric Johnson, Troy Smith, granddaughter Karen Smith and great-grandson Henry Nickolas Smith. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at the Milo L.D.S. Ward Chapel at 11:00 am. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Eckersell Funeral Home and prior to the service at the church for one hour. Burial will be in the Darby Cemetery in Driggs, Idaho under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby. The family request donations be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho in Cristal’s name.