LaRee Gurney Smith

LaRee Gurney Smith

On Friday, July 21, 2023, LaRee Gurney Smith passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 78. She was born to J. Ferrin and Virginia W. Gurney on September 16, 1944 in Lehi, UT.

She met the love of her life, Forrest “Woody” C. Smith in 1963 and they were married June 3, 1964. They had 5 children. LaRee’s passing came 40 years after she lost Woody in a car accident. What a joyous reunion they must be experiencing!

Wherever LaRee was, her twin LaRae was never far away. They had a connection that was indescribable. They managed to build houses right next door to each other. LaRee considered LaRae’s kids her kids and LaRae considered LaRee’s kids her kids. Whenever asked how many kids they had, both of them would respond immediately, “Nine!”.

LaRee received an Associate’s Degree in Business Technology from Brigham Young University. After her graduation, she worked in a CPA office in Provo while Woody finished his Master’s Degree. After all her kids started school, she worked as an office manager at Powell & Gunter for many years.

LaRee loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the years she served diligently in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Young Women’s, Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society. She found joy serving in the Church and in her community. She spent several years serving in the PTA for which she received their highest honor, the Golden Acorn Award.

LaRee enjoyed music. She played the violin, piano, and sang. She and LaRae were often invited to sing together in meetings and for funerals. She had many hobbies and interests which included boating/water-skiing, cake decorating, tole painting, crocheting, bowling, gardening and playing cards and games with family. She also made some amazing dinner rolls. Thanksgiving will not be the same without her rolls. Traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren was one of the greatest joys of LaRee’s life. If any of her children or grandchildren had an event or an athletic competition, and she was nearby, LaRee could be found there supporting them and cheering them on.

LaRee is survived by her children, Blake Smith (Sheri), Haylie (Alex Bustamante), Darci Jo (Brian Howald), Clinton Smith (Kim), and Kelli (Todd Stonestreet); her grandchildren, Fletcher, Taylor, Sydney, Parker Smith; Alejandro “AJ”, Alicia, Marcelo Bustamante; Forrest, Curtis, Derek, Morgan Howald; Fiona, Beckett Smith; and Jaylen Stonestreet; and great-grandchild, Luke Howald; her siblings, Lloyd Gurney, her twin LaRae (Lee Jeppson), and Paul Gurney (Donna); and nieces and nephew, Rebecca Jeppson (Sam Hunt), Jodi Jeppson (Ben Archibald), Trent Jeppson (Trina), and Brooke Jeppson.

LaRee was preceded in death by her soulmate, Forrest “Woody” C. Smith, grandchildren Simon and Mazie Smith, Regan Howald, her parents, J. Ferrin and Virginia W. Gurney, brother Howard Gurney and by her sister, Corene Bennett.

While LaRee has been reunited with her love and those who have gone before her, we will love and miss her.

A viewing will be held at the LDS Richland Stake Center, 1720 Thayer Drive, Richland, WA on Sunday, July 30th from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Monday July 31st at the LDS Richland Stake Center, 1720 Thayer Drive, Richland, WA at 11:00 am.

Interment will be in the Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

Please click on this zoom link if you wish to follow the service.  https://zoom.us/j/99395427831