Ramona Harrison Smith Obituary (1921 - 2009)

As each day is filled with some kind of magic, so too was this one. We didn’t see Papa come, but we know he was here because he took Mom with him when he left. So continues their 73 year romance. Ramona was born June 27, 1921 the fifth of six children born to Alma and Lovina Harrison. She grew up on the family farm working and playing along side her brothers and sisters. A diminutive woman with enormous talent, Ramona brought with her a musical gift not of this world. Family lore tells us she could play the piano before she could talk and her most beloved possession was the piano her father bought her as a young girl. She didn’t like music lessons being afraid they might spoil her innate ability. In elementary school she played for the students to march to class, and she spent an extra year in high school so as to accompany her music teachers at their concerts. When she was 15, she fell in love with a suave dark haired man named Bill Smith. They married in 1940, and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they shared much love, built a home, raised a family, danced, loved ball games, fished, traveled and defined a life well lived. Ramona survived cancer and a heart attack without a moment of self pity. Her courage and independence is the foundation of our family. Appreciating her gift of music, she was never selfish wit her talent. She was at the ready for any musical production or church calling, played at hundreds of funerals, and proudly played ‘gigs’ with her band at senior centers and care facilities until her last days. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, and her siblings, Parley, Don, Alton (Babe) and Golda. They have died in the exact order of their birth. She is survived by her extremely grateful children, Gene and LouAnn Smith Bates, Vaughn and Fran Smith, Alene Smith McCrimmon and sister Myrth Knighton. She also leaves a loving seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Thank you Mom for sharing your melody. Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 24, 2009, 12:00 noon at the Mt. Jordan 5th Ward, 300 East 9331 South. A viewing will be held on Tuesday June 23, 2009, 6 – 8 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. So. Jordan Parkway (10600 So.) and Wed. one hour prior to services at the church. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens.