Ronald Smith

Click Here To View Memorial Video Ronald R Smith, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away April 16, 2014, at his home. He was under the care of his family and Aspen Home Health & Hospice with special thanks to Pat and Emily. Ronald was born February 9, 1935, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Joseph Franklin Smith and Vera Robinson Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Green River, Wyoming, and graduated from Green River High School. He attended Brigham Young University where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. He later earned a Masters Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Idaho. On May 11, 1962, he married Karen Hill in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They are the parents of eight children, Ronald, Randall, Darrin, Scott, Aleesha, Jared, Kayleen, and Brooke. Ronald and Karen made their home in Idaho Falls, where Ronald worked as a Chemical/Nuclear Engineer at the INL. Most of his professional career was at the INL, where he was Project Implementation Manager for 15 years. He was Chairman of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers - Idaho Section, and received an Outstanding Paper Award at the national convention in 1978. Faithful in service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many callings, including teacher, dance director, Stake High Council, and in three Bishoprics. He served as Bishop of the 19th Ward and later the St. Leon Ward. He served for over 10 years at the Bishop’s Storehouse, on a full-time mission with Karen to Nauvoo, Illinois (2006-2007), and as camp hosts at Darby Girls Camp in 2008. He was also an officiator in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for ten years. Ronald was active in the Boy Scouts as scoutmaster and Commissioner. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 2002. All five sons obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as PTO President at Fairview Elementary School and helped start and coached in the wrestling program there for eight years. He was President of the Snake River League Boys Baseball and coached for eight years. Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Karen Smith son, Ronald (Diane) Smith of Idaho Falls, ID, son, Randall (Lorri) Smith of Star, ID, son, Darrin (Angi) Smith of Iona, ID, son, Scott (Dana) Smith of Aurora, CO, daughter, Aleesha (John) Wheeler of Bridgman, MI, son, Jared (Crystal) Smith of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Kayleen (Jake) Gerard of Meridian, ID, daughter, Brooke (Paul) Dallin of Lakeshore, UT, brother, Joseph L. (Judy) Smith of Auburn, IN, sister, Debrajoe Beatty of Mesquite, NV. 34 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Elizabeth, and a great granddaughter, Elizabeth. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at the Idaho Falls LDS St. Leon Ward, 6925 North 15th East, with Bishop Darren Berrett officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Iona Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held

11 a.m. ,Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Idaho Falls LDS St. Leon Ward 6925 North 15th East Idaho Falls, ID Notes: The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Iona Cemetery.