SMITH, NELDA L. – August 4, 1934 – June 4, 2003

POCATELLO. Nelda L. Smith, 68, of Pocatello returned to her Heavenly Father June 4, 2003 surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born to John and Caroline Noah Dahlke on August 4, 1934 in Downey, Idaho. She was raised on a farm in Downey and graduated from Downey High School. She moved to Pocatello and attended Idaho State University. She later graduated with a degree in Music Education and English. Nelda taught music at Marsh Valley, Lava Hot Springs and McCammon. She then returned to school at Grimms Business College and earned a degree, and after receiving her degree she taught there. She was offered the position of secretary of the college and eventually the owners named her as director of the college for a short time until the school closed. Nelda then taught typing and business at Irving and Hawthorne Jr. High Schools. She left teaching to run Jack-N-Jill, a children’s shop that they purchased. After seven years they closed the shop and Nelda went to work for Block’s Department Store. After Block’s closed, she went to work for the Bon Marche.

Nelda met Elwin Lamont Smith at the LDS Institute in Pocatello, and they married on December 2, 1960.

Nelda was a member of Lambda Delta Sigma Sorority and the LDS Institute. She was an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served as a visiting teacher, Relief Society teacher and as the Teacher Development instructor.

Nelda enjoyed spending time with her family and the family pets. She had a great love for music and liked to read. She loved to participate in the family ranch and other businesses the family owned. Her favorite activities included shopping and going to lunch with friends. She was a wonderful cook – everyone loved Nelda’s cookies. She also loved to travel. Nelda was a very dedicated and loyal friend. All will miss her warmth and personable nature. She always put others before herself. She was a dependable employee and received several awards for her outstanding salesmanship at the Bon. She was n honor student throughout high school and college. She excelled in band, playing the clarinet. She was honored for her outstanding performance and served as the Student Director of the ISU Marching Band.

Nelda is survived by her husband Elwin L. Smith of Pocatello; a son Ladd Smith of St. George, Utah; a daughter Laura (Tracy) Mikesell of Logan, Utah; 7 grandchildren, Andrew, Alyssa and Amanda Mikesell of Logan, Utah; Jordan and Garrett Smith of Pocatello, Idahop; Shay and Marienna Smith of St. George, Utah.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Elwood and Bill Dahlke, a son, Kendahl Lamont Smith, and her father-in-law, David Lamont Smith.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at the LDS chapel on 550 Cedar at 2 p.m. with a viewing to be held on Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave., Pocatello, and on Tuesday from 1-1:45 p.m., just prior to services. Bishop Larry Higbee will be officiating.