Melba Kaye Penman Smith Obituary (1926 - 2019)

Melba Kaye Penman Smith was born April 23, 1926 in Hooper, Utah. Her parents were Edward Penman and Ida Mary Jones Penman. She had one older sister, Marguerite Child, and two older brothers, Jim Penman, and Leo Penman. She married Keith Dalton Steck on Feb. 27, 1946. They had 4 children. They were divorced in 1966. Kaye returned to the workforce for 8 years and then met a wonderful man, Edwin Lloyd Smith. They were sealed on 5-17-73 in the Salt Lake City temple. Lloyd had 2 children, so they became a big and loving family of 8. They lived in Holladay, Utah until Lloyd’s death in Feb. 2001. In 2003, Kaye moved to Reunion Village in So. Jordan, Utah, where she lived for 15 years with her daughter, Diane, who was a cherished companion and loving care-giver. Kaye was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She has held many callings including chorister, teacher, ward and Stake Relief Society President. She has a strong testimony and love for her Heavenly Father, and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived a life of service. She loved people and was a good listener. Many family members and friends said they always felt loved and uplifted after a visit with her. She is survived by her 6 children, Debbie Christensen, David (Emily) Steck, Richard Smith, Linda (Ron) Kirby, Don (Linda) Steck and Diane Steck, 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Lloyd, her parents and siblings, and 1 grandson, Gino Smith. A viewing will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy (10600 S), South Jordan, Utah from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, Dec. 7th at the River Ridge Ward, 10124 So. 1300 W. So. Jordan, Utah at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 10:00-10:45. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens. We express our thanks to the good people of the Beehive Home for their loving care of our Mom. Mom loved to sing and dance and we have no doubt that that’s what she’s doing right now with Dad. We all love you, Mom!