Kyle Dee Smith

Kyle D. Smith passed away on January 6, 2023. He was born on July 15, 1942, in St. Anthony, Idaho to a loving family of 13 children.  His parents and siblings have all predeceased him, except a brother (Gaylon) and sister (Rita).

Kyle enjoyed the rural community he grew up in and went back frequently.  To him, it was an incredible playground.

After graduating from high school, Kyle left immediately to serve an LDS mission in the Colorado area. When he returned, he worked as a DJ in Rexburg for a time and also had a dance club. Kyle could always name who sang what song.  He had a wonderful deep bass voice of his own and enjoyed singing duets, as well as playing on various keyboards. The right music was always soothing to him.

Kyle then moved to Salt Lake City, where he met his first wife and mother of his three daughters. His family moved to Pasadena for several years, then to Tooele, and then back to the Salt Lake Valley.  During this time, he was in the National Guard and worked a variety of jobs.

Kyle is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Jacquelyn Merrill. They were married in the Provo Temple on May 28, 1982.  The gospel was important in their lives, and Kyle served in many various callings.

Kyle is also survived by his three beautiful daughters, Ronni (Jerry) Elzie, Jennifer Noury, Tasha (Mark) Santistevan, ten wonderful grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

His daughters all remember their Dad for the loving care he took of them.  They never doubted they were his priority.  He made sure they were safe, well-taken care of and enjoying life – “an always there, really good, funny there-for-you-dad.”

Kyle was a dependable, hard worker, both at his jobs and at home. He didn’t have to be asked to do something. He was resourceful and a self-starter who didn’t balk at doing housework, laundry, cooking, yard work.  He was creative, useful and determined by nature. He didn’t want to stop until his chore was done.

Kyle was good at trivia. He also enjoyed following the news and special events. He loved being outside (except in cold weather). News, trivia, music, camping and being outdoors were his interests. He liked to take trips and had especially fond memories of his trip to church history sites and Washington, D.C. back in 1965.

The main trait most remember Kyle for is how fun he was to be around. He always knew how to make a person laugh and smile. He made get-togethers fun. There was never a dull moment with him. With his funny stories and fun things to do, he kept us entertained. Even dogs, cats and birds were attracted to his attention, and it took him no time at all to gain their affection.

We are sure he is entertaining his family and friends up in Heaven now.  We sure do love him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taylorsville 8th Ward, 1495 W. Tamarack Road, Taylorsville, Utah. A viewing will be held that morning prior to the services, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment is at Elysian Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.