Connie Virginia Smith

Connie Virginia Smith passed away, Wednesday, June 6, 2012, peacefully with her children by her side at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, ID.  She was born November 24, 1936 in Shelley, Idaho to loving parents, V. Melvin and Emma V Bradley.

She was the first of four precious children, followed b y sister, Nina, sister LaRene, and only brother, Carl.  She was raised and educated in Bingham County, ID

completing her education at Shelley High School in 1954.  Connie grew up learning the value of hard work and honest ethics , which she passed on to her children.

She married Bobby Keith Summers In December of 1955 and was blessed with her first child, Cindy in 1956.  Two years later their second daughter Brenda arrived, continuing to enrich their lives.  In 1960 they were delighted to receive their first born son, Rick.  They moved briefly to Illinois while Bob was in the service.  Upon completion of that journey, they returned to Idaho and shortly after had another son, Rory in 1961.  A short year later they completed their family with their youngest daughter Rose.   Even  though Connie and Bob’s marriage ended, the Summers family’s love continued to be ever present in her life to the end.

On November 4, 1968 she married Stratford Chugg Smith.  From this union, Connie and Strat were blessed with a daughter, Connie Jean.  In 1970 they moved the family to San Jose California where in 1972, she was blessed with a final son, Brett.    In 1974 they returned to Utah and lived in several towns of beautiful Cache Valley, where Connie remained for 40 years, even after she and Strat divorced.  Connie worked hard at raising her children and teaching them the values they needed to be able to be successful adults.  She enjoyed raising a garden and being able to preserve her bounty to help provide for her family.   She was an excellent cook and provided feasts on many occasions.  She passed on this trait, not only to her daughters, but to her sons as well.  Connie’s favorite thing to do was spending time with her children and family. She enjoyed building memories, and reminiscing and laughing about the good times.

In 1998, Connie returned to her roots in Idaho, settling in Blackfoot near her daughter, Brenda.  She always described this move as a “coming home”.  In her later years, Connie made many afghans, always making sure all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had one to cherish.  She continued this trend, even after suffering a stroke in 2004.  There were many times she bestowed a gift of an afghan to those who showed her acts of kindness.  In the past several years, she had become an avid reader, sometimes reading 3 books a week.

She is survived by her children, Cindy (Ron) Jones, Stockton, Ca, Brenda (Randy) Hughes, Blackfoot, ID, Rory (Marge) Summers, Vancouver, WA, Rose (Clayton) Stock, Hyrum, UT, Connie (Karl) Thomas, Hyde Park, UT,  and Brett Smith, Smithfield, UT.  Sister, LaRene (Chuck) Rogers and brother Carl (Pat) Bradley.  Also survived by 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Nina Sparks, sister in law, Connie Bradley, as well as her beloved son, Rick Summers.

Connie’s children loved and adored her and are forever grateful for their mother’s unconditional love.  She taught us how to love deeply and the value of family.  We love you Mom!

Services will be held at Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley, ID.  Family will receive visitors Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 6-7:30 pm and on Monday, June 11, 2012 from 10-10:45 am with services at 11:00 am.  Interment will take place at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.