Ray G. Smith

Ray G. Smith, 81, of Rigby, died Saturday; March 6, 2010, at his home. He was born September 23, 1928, in Salmon, Idaho to John Smith and Lena Cornell Smith. He was raised and attended schools in Idaho Falls. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. On June 8, 1951, he married Marjorie Tibbitts in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. She preceded him in death. On September 3, 2007, he married Bonnie Bazil Helsing, in LaBelle, Idaho. He was a farmer and rancher in Jefferson County, worked at Tibbitts Produce and Gem State Produce, he managed Jefferson Co-op Fertilizer Plant and the I.F.A. he then worked for Jefferson County as the Planning and Zoning Coordinator. Ray was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Sunday School Counselor, Priest Quorum Leader and Nursery Leader; he was also a faithful home teacher. He enjoyed horseback riding and packing in Yellowstone and the Wind River Wilderness, hunting fishing and skiing. He was friends with everyone and above all he loved to spend time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife; Bonnie Smith, of Rigby, sons; Dennis Ray (Susan) Smith, of Lima, OH, Greg W. (Margo) Smith, of Rigby, and Bonnie’s children; Becky (Richard) Chadwick, of Lewiston, Utah, Brenda (Steve) Chamberlin, of Idaho Falls, Holly (Perry) Ward, of Rigby, Lance (Alexis) Helsing, of Rigby, 25 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Marjorie Smith, a son; Scott Helsing, sisters; Lena May Miller, Norma DeMott, brothers; Bob Smith, Grant Smith, and John Smith. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010, at the LaBelle 2nd Ward LDS Chapel, with Bishop Jason Dahl, conducting. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday evening and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., prior to services, both at the LaBelle 2nd Ward Church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.