Lyle Devey Smith

On September 16, 2026, our dear mother, grandmother, and sister left this world and although she is gone and we will miss her terribly, we are comforted by her life, her example, and all that she has left us. We also take peace in knowing that Mom and Dad are reunited and that she is no longer hindered by the pain and discomfort of her earthly body.

Our Mom was not only our mom she was a teacher, a counselor, a confidante, a first aid provider, and an occasional taskmaster. Mom was an accomplished worrier, a baker of cookies, a canner of tomatoes, and made a mean beef stew. She loved to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Mom was born in the Year of the Snake (1941). According to Chinese tradition, those born in the Year of the Snake are deeply sensitive and genuinely passionate and have a rich inner life but rarely show these qualities to the wider world. Mom fit the bill; she had a life-long love of reading and passed that love down to her children. Those fortunate enough to get past her shyness were rewarded with her thoughts, insight, and guidance. Dad figured her out. Mom loved our dad with all her heart and together they made a warm and welcoming home for our family, our friends, and our neighbors.

Mom was born on October 6, 1941, to Sterling J. Devey and Olive Bramble in Montebello, California, however, she grew up in Alpine, Utah with her father, mother, and older brother Carl. Mom graduated from American Fork High School. Mom met our dad, Duane Smith, after they were set up by dad’s sister LeAnne who worked with mom at a local bank. On their first date they attended a church service and had lunch at the Sage Inn restaurant in Springville. That first date must have gone well since Mom and Dad were soon married on March 30, 1962, in the Manti LDS Temple. Mom lost both of her parents early in her adult life, and missed them terribly and wished often that she had the guidance of her mother as she started her own family with Dad. In quick order Mom and Dad became parents to four boys who challenged her strength, endurance, and patience but eventually with much hard work, persistence and a little luck she was able to turn these unruly boys into somewhat respectable human beings. Ten years later our family was surprised by the unexpected arrival of our sister Heather. Heather very quickly won the hearts of her four brothers and completely established herself as dad’s favorite and mom finally had her daughter, but instead of wanting dolls Heather made it clear that she preferred toy trucks.

In 1969, Mom and Dad moved the family to West Valley City where they replanted their Utah County roots into Salt Lake County soil and raised their family. Mom lived up north until the last few years of her life when she returned to her Utah County. Mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout her life and more importantly lived and exemplified the teachings of Jesus Christ daily.

Throughout their lives together, Mom and Dad were able to travel and see some of the wider world. They visited Canada, England, France, Denmark, China and cities throughout the United States. After Dad’s retirement, Mom and Dad purchased a home with Heather and her husband David. This allowed them the opportunity to live with four of their grandchildren and watch them grow up under their roof. Mom and Dad also had close relationships with and adored their other six grandchildren.

When dad passed away, Mom continued to reside with Heather and her family. When faced with pain and mobility issues, Mom moved to Spring Gardens in Mapleton where she was cared for by compassionate and competent professionals. Eric and his wife Paula were able to see Mom on a regular basis since their home was a stone’s throw from Spring Gardens. Mom had good friends at Spring Gardens and was popular with the residents and the staff. One day earlier this summer, Mom was able to host her family and the other residents at an event where her granddaughter Nicole shared her chalk art talents with the staff and residents of Spring Gardens. It is reported by reliable sources that Mom was the “Belle of the Ball” and had a joyful day with friends and family as she watched her granddaughter create her art.

In Mom’s last days on earth, she was surrounded by family and friends who were all able to tell her how much she was loved and the many ways that she enriched our lives. Over these last days, there were tears, laughter, and great appreciation for everything she brought into our lives.

Lyle Devey Smith is survived by her brother Carl Devey and her five children: Shane Smith (Mary), Jason Smith (Lisa), Eric Smith (Paula), Brett Smith, and Heather Miller (David). She is also survived by ten beloved grandchildren: Kayleigh Smith, Hayden Smith (Emma), Nicole Kleinman (Jacob), Keegan Corbett (Alexa), Maile Jefferies (Peter), Addison Smith, Isabelle Miller, Lucas Miller, Landon Miller, and Dawson Miller.

Services are under the care and direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Terrace Ridge Ward chapel; 4333 South 6400 West, West Valley City, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the church from 9:30 - 10:45 AM. The interment will follow in the Valley View Memorial Park.

Our family is grateful to the residents of Spring Gardens who befriended Mom and to the care givers who provided her with professional and compassionate care during her residence…except for tap classes, Mom wasn’t a big fan of that activity.