Venice Hansen Smith

Venice Hansen Smith This story began over 98 years ago on September 21, 1915. Nora May Lowe Hansen and Moroni Hansen, brought their 5th child into their family in Logan, Utah. She was one of seven children, five boys and two girls. Venice grew up in Logan surrounded by a loving and caring family where they spent time between their Logan home and their summer home in Logan Canyon. She graduated from Logan High School. Venice's work experience began in a bakery and ended as a homemaker, mother and grandmother to many who always demanded endless hours of attention. Then there was a husband: George Arrol Smith whom she met at a dance and later married in the Logan Temple on June 18th, 1936. Arrol and Venice began their married life in a two room house in Amalga, Utah, where Arrol owned and operated a dairy farm. After ten years they were able to build a house down the road. Venice drew up the plans for the construction and they built it as supplies became available. Venice was so anxious to get into her new house, that they moved in before it was completed and continued building around the construction. In 1996 after Arrol's death she moved to Logan, Utah where she continued to take care of her home and herself for 17 years until her death. Arrol and Venice were blessed with six children. Their posterity now numbers 125 with 23 grandchildren, 63 Great grandchildren, and 4 Great-great grand children. Her whole existence was dedicated to her family. All were made to feel as though he or she was the favorite child. Hours were spent with each child meeting their needs and loving them as only she was able to do. Each was encouraged and taught at her knee, she exemplified the Savior in all her teachings and doings. Mom was always home when we arrived from school. Her I ife lessons were taught at the ironing board, while doing dishes or cooking. She never had idol hands. There was always a meal to prepare, more laundry, another nose to wipe or another corner to clean. Mom always did it willingly and taking quiet pride in what she had accomplished. Venice lost her son Jay in a farm accident in 1965, and her loving husband whom she gave her heart to in 1986, after nearly fifty years of marriage. Together Arrol and Venice traveled to many parts of the world. Venice especially liked the Holy Land and New Zealand, but was always glad to get back to their home and family in Amalga. Venice served as an Ordinance worker in the Logan Temple for over 15 years. After the death of her husband, she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Salt Lake Family History center. The Amalga Ward was blessed as she used her many talents and abilities in service to them and to Heavenly Father. She loved and had such great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Venice would often be heard saying, "I don't know why I was so blessed with such wonderful family and friends". We all knew that she had earned and deserved every blessing that she received. She will always be referred to by her rich posterity as "Cute Grandma or Grandma Great". In her quiet moments she loved to read, work on family history, write poetry and attended Church Institute classes into her late 80' s. Our loving Mom and Grandmother was welcomed home on December 23, 2013 but we know that this is not the end to her story. It is just another beginning that she will accept with the same humility and unconditional love that she has shared here in Cache Valley. She will be greatly missed but her life and example will be celebrated through-out Eternities. Venice is survived by five children: Boyd Arrol Smith Carolyn of St. George, Utah, Noragene Bishop Keith of Bountiful, Utah, Karen Clarissa Jenson Ralph Blackfoot, serving as missionaries in the Ohio, Cleveland Mission, Vicki Olsen Larry Petersboro, Utah and Judy Kaye Barnes Roger Bear River City, Utah, and brothers: Lavon Hansen Evelyn and Glen Hansen Marty. Mom was preceded in death by Arrol, her son Jay, brothers Lazon, Merland, Gerald and sister Rita and also her beloved parents.
Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the Logan 43rd Ward Chapel, 1255 North 600 East. There will be a viewing prior from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Smithfield Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Nelson Funeral Home.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com