LaRee Ricks Smith

LaRee Ricks Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the age of 84.

LaRee was born on July 3, 1941, in Salt Lake City to Orian Lavell Ricks and Mary Ricks. She was the oldest of eleven children and spent her life setting an example of faith, hard work, sacrifice, and Christlike service for her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Richard Smith. After faithfully raising her six children as a devoted single mother, LaRee later found great happiness when she married Richard in the Provo, Utah, Temple in 2008.

LaRee dedicated her life to caring for others. She lovingly raised one daughter and five sons, always putting her family first through years of quiet sacrifice and selfless service. Her children are Anne (John), David (Adrienne), James (Bridget), John, Marc (Jerri), and Curtis (Shealyn). She was also blessed with 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy. After marrying Richard, she also grew to love and cherish his five children and the special relationships they shared.

Education and lifelong learning were important to LaRee. She earned her master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University and worked there faithfully for 23 years. She was known for her intelligence, dedication, and steady example.

LaRee found happiness in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved reading, writing, singing, and cooking, and she generously shared her talents and love with those around her.

Above all, LaRee was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a firm testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and gave her strength through both trials and blessings. Her legacy of devotion, perseverance, compassion, and testimony will continue to bless her family for generations to come.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered until the joyful day we meet again.

LaRee would like to thank all of her friends and neighbors who lovingly assisted her in raising her family over the many years she was on her own. Their kindness, friendship, and support were a great blessing to her and her children.

The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate and professional care provided by Legacy House of Spanish Fork. The love, dignity, and kindness shown to LaRee during her time there brought comfort and peace to both her and her family.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 500 South 600 West in Orem. The viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be in the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 Northeast Lawn Drive (650 East), Provo, UT, 84604

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE