Ida Smith Church

Ida Smith Church, 91, of Mesa died peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at her daughter’s home. Visitations will be held from 6 to 8 o’clock tonight (March 7) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lindsay Ward Building, located at 1150 N. Lindsay Road in Gilbert, and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Lindsay Ward Building, followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. Graveside services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in Snowflake.
   She was born on May 9, 1916, in Hunt, Ariz., to Asahel Henry and Pauline Udall Smith.
   She was raised in Snowflake, and graduated with a teaching degree from Arizona Teacher’s College (now Northern Arizona University) in Flagstaff, where she met her husband, Howard Bailey Church.
    Ida was an active member of the LDS church. She served faithfully in many church positions. She of-fered love and service to so many people and enriched their lives as a result of her remarkable gift of mu-sic. She and her sweetheart served a mission in the Seattle Temple 1980-1981 and enjoyed the wonderful associations they made during that time.
    Survivors include a son, Robert Howard Church of Mesa; seven daughters Catherine Whitmer of El-frida, Emily McLaws Despain of Sandy, Utah, Elaine Carter of Orem, Utah, Gloria Baldwin, Norma Hast-ings and Donna Flaherty all of Gilbert, and Debbie Nuckles of St. George, Utah; 52 grandchildren; 107 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
   She was preceded in death by her young son, John Henry Church; and her beloved husband of 61 years, Howard Bailey Church.
   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS Primary Children’s Medical Center, 100 N. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113.
   Bunker Garden Chapel of Mesa is in charge of the arrangements.