J. Machelle Smith

J. Machelle Smith, 70, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2026, at Community Hospital in Idaho Falls.

Machelle was born June 28, 1955 in Rigby, Idaho to L. Grant Smith and Alene McCarty. She grew up in Rigby with four brothers and one sister. She attended schools in the Jefferson County School District, graduating from Rigby High School. In addition to the required core classes, Machelle took Band, Art, Choir, Home Economics, Physical Education, Type and Shorthand. She later took classes in Microsoft Office.

She was talented both musically and creatively; she played the drums, the clarinet and the piano. She played the xylophone in the marching band. She knew how to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider. She could sketch, paint and even worked ceramics.

At the time when Machelle attended school, there weren’t any formal school sports for girls. However, there were opportunities to play church sports – softball (fast pitch then slow pitch), volleyball and basketball. She excelled in sports and at one time dreamed of attending college and majoring in physical education.

Machelle married Robert Gunderson on April 12, 1974. They later divorced. Through this marriage, they were blessed with four beautiful daughters Jennifer, Jessica, Danielle, and Robyn.

Machelle was a hard worker starting her work career young with babysitting. She worked while in high school and throughout her adult life, often holding a part-time job in addition to her full-time work, all while balancing her responsibilities as a wife and mother. She had many jobs throughout her life, working right up until last week at John, John, and Hill (it was truly one of her best jobs ever). Her favorite titles were “mom”, “grandma”, “great-grandma” then probably followed by “Payroll Princess.”

Family meant the world to Machelle. She deeply loved her daughters and their families as they grew—nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always tried to do what was best for them, often sacrificing and putting their needs ahead of her own. Machelle cherished family get-togethers and delighted in planning, cooking and sharing new menus she was eager to try. She also loved creating handmade gifts, each one made with care and love. Her generous spirit extended beyond her immediate family to her extended family as well. Everyone was touched by her kindness and giving heart.

Machelle is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Manual) Tapia, of Clute, TX; Jessica Gunderson of New Orleans, LA; Danielle Gunderson, of Menan, ID; and Robyn Stephens of Port Hueneme, CA; brothers Gary (Lois) Smith, of Sandy, UT; Kim (Gina) Smith and Kevin (Janet Roberts) Smith, both of Idaho Falls, ID; sister JoAnn (Doyle) Barney of Grant, ID; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Machelle was preceded in death by her parents, her brother (Emery Smith), a niece (Jaime Smith) and a niece (Hilary DeFord).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 1-4pm at The Brickyard Event Center, 1025 South Ammon Rd.