Zenda Smith McDermott

Preston, Idaho - - - Zenda S. Smith
Preston - On May 7, 2009, Zenda Smith McDermott, 84, returned to her heavenly home, something she had longed for. Zenda was born June 9, 1924 in Weston, Idaho, the daughter of Nellie Gilbert and Joseph Smith. She was the eighth child of nine living children. Zenda gained her education in the Weston schools.

As a child she could take eggs to the grocery store in exchange for penny candy. When she was young she would watch her mother sew clothes on a treadle sewing machine. Like many other families, they experienced some tough times during the depression. She married Lew F. McDermott on October 1, 1940 in Preston, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple. They made their permanent home in Clifton, Idaho where they raised their nine children; Bonnie (Melvin) Ball, of Renton, WA; Marilyn (Dick) Swainston, of Preston; Reta (Bob) Halverson, of Roy, UT; Colleen (deceased) (Ford) Hammerland, of Soda Springs, ID; Michael (Meridee) McDermott of Tremonton, UT; Nadine (Craig) Mangus, of Santa Clara, UT; Casey Lew (Barbara) McDermott, of Rigby, ID; Brenda (Jeff) Gundersen of Meridian, ID; and Jeffrey (Dani) McDermott, of Cedar City, UT; Zenda was an active member of the LDS Church. She faithfully served in the Relief Society and Primary. She raised her nine children with love and kindness and encouraged them to be obedient to God.

She was a good example, showing her daughters the role of wife and mother and how to be a good homemaker. Being self-reliant was important, and teaching us how to garden, can the harvest, and being tidy was just part of doing our chores. She taught her sons to take care of themselves and to respect womanhood. She was a great cook and got lots of practice with her large family. The kindness she extended to others was done quietly and without a need for recognition.

One of her special talents is that of a peacemaker. She was a sweet and gentle soul and was never contentious, even up to the end. Her children would play against each other jokingly saying that they were the favorite child, but Zenda would never admit she had a favorite. Her home was a place of safety and peace to her children and husband. We are sure that Mom was smiling as she was released from this life to join her husband and other family members in heaven.

She is survived by her eight of her nine children and their spouses, 29 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren, her one living sister, Elva Larson, and a son-in-law Ford Hammerland, of Soda Springs, ID. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Colleen, five brothers Orval, Kenneth, Glen, Reed, and Clyde Smith, and two sisters Verda Gibbs, and Edna Stephens.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 11, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Clifton 2nd Ward LDS Chapel with Bishop LaWrell Cook conducting. Friends may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 109 East Oneida in Preston, and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church in Clifton. Interment will be in the Clifton Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Franklin County Nursing Home for their many kindnesses and the gentle and loving care they gave to our Mom these past five and a half years.