Maurice LaRoy Mather

Maurice LaRoy Mather passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on November 27, 2012. He was born June 2, 1936 in his family's home in Smithfield to George and Alice Mather. He went to elementary school at Summit Elementary and graduated from North Cache High School. He resided in Smithfield his entire life except when he served a mission in Toronto, Canada.
Maurice met his sweetheart, Alberta Heaps at a MIA activity. It was love at first sight! They were married on April 8, 1960 in the Logan LDS Temple. They were the parents of seven totally awesome children who love them dearly.
Maurice took over the family farm after his mission and continued to farm throughout his life. He was a man of many trades throughout the years. He worked at the sugar beet factory, drove bus, demossed canals, and worked at Utah State University for nineteen years.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings; his favorite being the ward greeter.
Maurice was a character! He loved to laugh and joke. He was a friend to all and never judged anyone. He loved to talk to anyone and everyone who would listen. He also loved baseball. He played for the Blue Sox and coached American Legion baseball for many years.
Maurice is survived by his wife Alberta, his children: Brian Stephanie Mather, Brad Jean Mather, David Laura Mather, Sheri Black, Kurt Mather, Gary Mather, Amy Mark Davis, 17 grandchildren, 2 great grand children, and one on the way. He is also survived by his brothers: Ronald Mather and Stephen LaRae Mather, his sister Karen Ron Keller, and his brother in law Wilmer Brown.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Alice Mather, his brother Raymond, his sister Wilma, a baby brother and sister, and Moe the Toe.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at the Smithfield 2nd Ward Church building, 675 West 200 North, in Smithfield. A viewing will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main Street, in Smithfield and prior to services on Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church.
The family would like to thank all of those who have cared for Maurice throughout his illness. They would also like to thank all of the friends and neighbors who have shown concern for him especially during these last few months.