J. Ralph Smith

Joseph Ralph Smith returned home to his Father in Heaven and was reunited with his sweetheart, Barbara, on April 25, 2015 at the age of 99. He was born August 22, 1915 to Joseph Lauritz Smith and Melissa Ann Fitzgerald the 4th of 9 children. He married Barbara Clark on February 21, 1939 in the Salt Lake Temple. He served a southern states mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ. He served in many church callings, including working in the Jordan River Temple for many years. He was active in the Cub Scout program and loved working with young people. Many have been touched by the amazing stories of his life that he so often loved to share. He loved the mountains and had a great appreciation for nature and all God's creations. He bought the family farm from his father, purchased the first rubber-tired tractor in Draper and did custom plowing to help earn a living. He loved the farm and caring for his garden. He worked as a corrections officer at the Utah State Prison until he retired after 20 years.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, neighbor and friend.

Preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters: Celestia, June Baker, Ruth Baird Bartell, Erma Christopherson Miller, Verla Wanberg and brother Arnold. Children: Delaine Ralph, Barbara Jean and John Ralph. He is survived by his children Lorraine (Wayne) Price, Leone (Jay) Smith, Steven J., 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- granddaughters. Sisters: Wanda Allred and Reva Norris. We will miss his smile, warm positive attitude, loving heart and his never ending medley of songs. He said we should sing a song every day, keep a smile on our face, do good, help those who need it and show love and compassion to everyone.

A special thanks to Assisted Living of Draper, Curtis and Leslie Payne, Don, and all of the caring aids, who he called his angels, for the loving home and care they gave our dad. He was happy with his assisted living family.

Services will be Saturday, May 2nd at the LDS Church, 420 East Stokes Ave. (13540 South) at 11:00. A viewing will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Friday evening May 1st , 6:00 to 8:00 pm and at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 prior to the service. Interment will be at the Draper Cemetery.