Eliot Wray Smith

Riverdale, Idaho - - - - Eliot W. Smith
Riverdale - Eliot Wray Smith, 94, passed away April 11, 2009 at his daughter's home in Preston surrounded by loving family. He was born June 10, 1914 to Hyrum Wray and Christine Larsen Smith at the family home in Riverdale just north of Preston. He was the third of six children.

Eliot attended Preston High School and Utah State Agricultural College. He attended many public dances where he met his sweetheart LaRue Nelson and fell in love. They were married on February 24, 1943 in the Logan LDS Temple. Eliot and LaRue lived in Riverdale, Preston and Pocatello over the years and they were blessed with two sons and two daughters. From an early age Eliot loved working on the farm. Through this experience, he built his own farms where he worked throughout his life. He also worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for many years.

He loved camping fishing and hunting and spent most of his life enjoying the outdoors. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and served the wards and stakes in which he lived. He taught the gospel through his example and love.

Eliot is survived by his sweetheart, LaRue, his children Lynnette (Bill) Mockli, Terry Wray (Cheryl) Smith; and Marla Jensen; 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Wendell Hyrum Smith, Irene Larson Smith, Cleone Smith, Radia Smith Hull, and Jean J. Keller Smith; his son Ricky Eliot smith, a grandson Justin Terry Smith, and a son-in-law Bruce R. Jensen.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Riverdale 2nd Ward Chapel 3562 North 1800 East in Preston, Idaho with Bishop Dax Keller conducting. Friends may call Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 109 East Oneida in Preston and Wednesday at 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Riverdale Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.