Viada Smith

Viada Rose Love Smith, 87, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away July 7, 2012, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. Viada was born May 1, 1925, in Centralia, Washington, to John Albert Love and Dora May Abbott Love. Viada had fond memories of growing up in Leavenworth and Derby Canyon, Washington. She loved to sing and performed in several high school plays. She was proud of being a good student. After finishing high school, Viada worked for a large Seattle bank. In 1946, she met and married Keith Smith. In 1955, they moved to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, with their four children. They lived in Maine for five years, where their fifth child was born. In 1961, they moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts. In 1972, they moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts, where she lived for 33 years. She moved to Idaho Falls in 2005. When her children were in elementary school, Viada was very active in PTA, serving as a representative on the PTA Council for East Gloucester and taking a turn as President. She successfully spearheaded a drive to bring Young Audiences Concerts into the public school system and worked hard to bring special counselors and teachers into the school system to benefit children with special needs. She also wrote poetry and songs, which she would often recite or sing throughout her life and enjoyed creating dramatic presentations and writing scripts and songs for the Youth Roadshows. After moving to Cape Cod, Viada worked as a real estate broker for several years, eventually being drawn into work with the elderly and handicapped in their own homes. She found it very satisfying and that it brought much love into her life. Viada held leadership positions in the Relief Society and organized functions and events and administered to the compassionate service needs of her ward. She served as Public Affairs Specialist for the Stake. She was also known for putting on wonderful buffets and was sought after to cater and decorate weddings and stake affairs. One of the projects she particularly enjoyed was producing a ward newsletter which she called “The Seagull.” She did this for 10 years for the Cape Cod Ward and revived the tradition for awhile for the Idaho Falls Third Ward. Viada was known for her love and enthusiasm for life. In her own words: “I am grateful life has given me so many opportunities to use creative talents and to develop organizational skills. I am also grateful to have felt a guiding spiritual force in my life. I have developed a great love of life and for people. I have had challenges . . . but with God’s help, always bounced back and kept on going. I am grateful for a strong faith which has seen me through important times of crisis. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned is that the greatest happiness comes in service to others.” Viada is survived by Son, David K. Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Daughter, Bonnie S. Montierth of Idaho Falls, ID; Son, Girard C. Smith of Idaho Falls, ID; Daughter, Linda Padilla of Orlando, FL, Daughter, Jacqueline Smith of Rexburg, ID; 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers and two sisters. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at the Idaho Falls LDS 3rd Ward, 2025 Jennie Lee Drive. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Wednesday

11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Idaho Falls LDS 3rd Ward 2025 Jennie Lee Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83404 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.