Grandma Smith's Obituary

Jan. 6, 1908 - Mar. 25, 2009 Relia Cooley Smith, age 101 years and two months, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. Relia was born in Newton, Utah, the second of seven children of Ezra Hazen and Jessie Rigby Cooley on Jan. 6, 1908. At the age of 11, sadly, Relia's mother, and infant brother Rigby, passed away. Since her older sister, Inez, had passed away as an infant, Relia assumed the role of mother to her sisters, Maude and Carma and her brothers, William and Grant for a while. Her father later married a wonderful woman whom the children affectionately called Aunt Margaret. Relia was raised in Newton, Hyrum and Logan, Utah where she attended Utah State Agricultural College and worked as a secretary for Cache Knitting Mills. It was there that she met and fell in love with Jay M. Smith from Lehi, Utah, a salesman for the company. They were married in the Logan Temple July 23, 1931. After beginning their marriage in Yakima, Washington, they moved to Denver, Colo. where Jay sold insurance and three sons and a daughter were born. In 1941 they transferred to Salt Lake City and their last child, Steven, was born. In 1948 they moved to Boise, Idaho and Jay became the general manager for World Insurance Company. In 1972 they returned to Salt Lake City and in 1985 their final move together was to Provo, Utah. Jay passed away on Aug. 16, 1988. Relia was a woman of many talents and had numerous friends. She loved to entertain and she was a marvelous cook. She played the piano and loved to sing. While living in Salt Lake, the highlight of the Christmas Season was singing in the productions of the Messiah held in the Tabernacle. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served many years in the Primary and the Relief Society organizations. She loved her associations. Once Relia became someone's friend, it was for life. Christmas and birthday cards were exchanged; frequent phone calls and memorable personal visits were made. She regretted having many of these contacts cease as her dear friends passed on. She is undoubtedly thrilled to be with so many family and friends again. Relia was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have all been blessed by her love and quiet encouragement. They will always remember her wonderful spirit, her delicious food, her great sense of humor and her love of music. Visitors over the past few years have been amazed at how Relia could still remember the words to so many songs and how she would sing along and harmonize in her rich alto voice, even when, at times, she appeared to be sleeping. Relia is survived by three sons: Jay Jr. (JenaVee) of Provo, Utah, currently serving a mission in Hong Kong; Gordon (Ann) of Lindon, Utah and Steven (Rebecca) of Eagle, Idaho, and her son-in-law, Doug Glade. Relia leaves 19 grandchildren, 89 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jay and son Frank Hazen, who died in 1935 and a daughter Sandra Glade who died January 2009. The family is appreciative of those who helped care for Mother the past few years, with special thanks to the Canyon Breeze Assisted Living Center in Orem, Utah where she has lived for the past five years. The funeral will be held in the Oak Hills Stake Center, 925 East North Temple Drive, Provo, Utah at 11 a.m. on Monday April 6, 2009. Family and friends may meet prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are being made by Myers Funeral Home, Layton, Utah. Flowers and cards may be sent to 1825 N. Oak Lane, Provo, Utah 84604. Interment will be in the Logan, Utah, Cemetery.