Beth Smith Edvalson Obituary (1924 - 2016)

Beth Smith Edvalson, 91, peacefully passed away on August 14, 2016 in Provo, Utah after a brief illness. Beth was born November 13, 1924 in Blackfoot, Idaho to George Henry Smith and Christie Isabel Sharp. Shortly after, the family moved to Lehi, Utah where Beth spent her childhood on the family farm. She was the youngest child of five and was a great support and joy to her family. She went on to study at the University of Utah, and later became a registered nurse, a profession she enjoyed for much of her life. On July 4, 1945 Beth married Fredrick Merlin Edvalson in Salt Lake City, Utah the day before he was to report for military service. Fred later returned and they raised their four children primarily in the Washington D.C. area. Beth and Fred retired back to their home state of Utah in 1986, settling in Pleasant Grove. Beth was an active volunteer for many organizations and causes all of her life, several within the LDS church. As a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, she was passionate about writing her family's history and published several stories about her own experiences as well as those of her ancestors. She had a very industrious spirit, perhaps as a result of her rural upbringing. Even while enjoying television or audio books, her hands were always occupied, never content with idleness. She loved music and singing, a love she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Through her quiet, selfless service, she showed her devotion to her Heavenly Father and to her beloved family and friends. Now reunited, she was preceded in death by her father, mother, step-mother Inez H. Hammer, her sister Nora Smith Storrs, her brothers: Leo, Lewis, William, and Victor; her daughter Erin Edvalson, her daughter-in-law Paulette Edvalson, and her husband Fred. She is survived by her three sons, Fredrick (Rose), Victor (Sharon), and Harwood (Laura) Edvalson, as well as 18 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 North 400 East. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.