Gay Mizera Smith

Dona Gay Mizera Smith was born June 21, 1941 in Pocatello, Idaho

Gay loved growing up in Pocatello, it was truly the best of times. It felt safe, and the outside was her playground. She attended Pocatello High School in the 50’s where she met Ronald Lee Smith. They were married on November 24, 1959 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Four beautiful children came from this union. Sometimes things don’t always go the way they are planned or how we would like them to, they later divorced in 1983.

Gay was always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved the Lord with all her heart and loved serving her fellowmen. She was the most selfless and Christlike person around. Whether her famous fudge or goodies delivered at your door, or a sweet card or note in the mail, she made everyone feel special. It didn’t matter who you were, she would take you under her wing and mother you as her own.

Besides her family, her friends were everything to her. Gay worked for the Division of Water Resources with the State of Utah for 27 years as a secretary to Civil Engineers. These special people were like family to her. Gay also loved the many lifelong friendships she had from her ward families.

Halloween and April Fools were her favorite holidays! Every year without fail she dressed up as a witch. It didn’t matter whether she was going to work or to visit with friends or family, Gay was a witch on Halloween. Every year she planned many tricks to play on her family, friends, and co-workers for April Fools. She got all her ideas from the queen of tricks, Judy Sheneman. If you knew Gay and it was April Fools, you better lock your house, hide your stuff, and refuse to eat anything she offers. Though these were her favorite holidays, she loved all holidays and her bushes and apartment were always fully decorated for each one. Her grandkids could always count on a card in the mail with some gum and money for every holiday.

Gay was the best grandma ever! She loved having her grandkids over for sleepovers, especially on New Years Eve. She was referred to as the gum grandma. If you asked her if she had gum, the answer was never yes but which flavor do you want. Her world revolved around spending time with her grandchildren. From soccer games and recitals, to tea parties and the famous 12 year old one-on-one grandma date, she was a very big part of each of their lives.

Gay passed away on April 5, 2023 in Bountiful, Utah in the apartment that she lived in for 41 years. Though some might wonder why she stayed there for so long, from the time she was married she moved 36 times until she finally landed in apartment D. Her family will never forget all the precious memories made in that apartment.

Gay was preceded in death by her parents Curtis and Dona Mizera, her sister Joy Crystal and brother Brad Mizera, and her great grandson Brooks Burnham. Gay is survived by her children Michele (Rick) Hardman, Stephanie (Larry) Knowlden, Mike (Jenny) Smith, Lane (Brooke) Smith as well as 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

To know Gay was to love her. She will always be remembered for her love of music, giraffes, natureand her  true love Tom Selleck !!! Everyone will dearly miss her loving letters, sweet phone calls, and her warm smile. She lived a remarkable life and will always hold a special place in many, many hearts.  

Viewing:

Thursday April 13th 6-8pm

Address: Orchard Stake Center - 3599 Orchard Drive, Bountiful UT 84010

Funeral:

Friday April 14th

Viewing 9-10:30am

Services begin 11am

Address: Orchard Stake Center - 3599 Orchard Drive, Bountiful UT 84010

Youtube link:

All flower donations are to be sent to the Orchard Stake Center (address above) no earlier than 4pm on Thursday April 13th.

To view funeral services please click here:

https://youtube.com/@orchard6thward971