Ole Smith

Ole Smith (pronounced oh-lee), a long-time resident of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

She was born Eolean LaPreal Stott on February 20, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the second child of Arvin Edward Stott and Selma Loraine Vest. When Ole was five, the family settled in Rexburg, Idaho. In her early teens, her mother married Clarence Rhodehouse, and the family moved to Egen, Idaho, where Ole helped on the new family's potato farm.

Ole was the proud mother of four children: Michael and Ricky (from her first marriage to Blair Hope), and Cliff and Clark (from her second marriage to Charles C. Miles).

Later, while living in California, she met Julian Jack Smith. Following their marriage on September 19, 1969, they lived in California and Washington before finally settling in Idaho. They shared more than 20 years together in Idaho Falls, until Jack's death in 1998. She continued to live in Idaho Falls until her passing.

Ole was a woman of many talents and tireless work ethic. Over the years, she held roles as a switchboard operator, waitress, bartender, cook, machinist, and house painter. She proudly owned a doughnut and pie shop and later served as a cook at the Elks Lodge. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through in her home-based businesses, where she sold Avon, gasoline additives, and her favorite, handpicked huckleberries.

She enjoyed painting and taught painting at the senior citizen's center. Ole participated in the art guild and was always delighted when she sold one of her paintings. She loved reading, especially mystery novels. She liked being outdoors fishing or collecting huckleberries. She was also a talented seamstress. A particular favorite pastime was playing games, especially cards. A recent hobby was watching sunsets, often wishing she had the strength to capture the beauty she saw on canvas.

Ole will be remembered for her resilience, stubbornness, and dedication to her friends. Her hands were always busy and her kitchen always open. She had a special gift for feeding people-whether it was a holiday meal or a simple snack, she made sure everyone had something to eat. In recent years, she demonstrated her faith in action by hosting a Food Ministry from her home, offering food to those in need.

Ole is survived by her sisters, LaVee Williams, EllaDawn (Donnie) Hoopes, and Carmen Kerr; sons, Clifford A. Miles and Clark J. Miles. Her legacy continues through 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, three sisters, two brothers, and her sons, Michael R. Hope and Richard "Ricky" D. Hope.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who have shown unwavering care and kindness throughout the years. No expression of gratitude is sufficient to offer to all those who watched over her, allowing her to stay in her home for as long as she could.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Cornerstone Assembly of God, 5600 S. Holmes Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.