Barbara Christensen Smart

Barbara Christensen Smart, 87, passed away, surrounded by her family, in Preston, Idaho on March 14, 2014 after a short illness. She was born in the small rural mountain community of Mink Creek, Idaho on April 1, 1926 to Valdemar Carl and Marcella Jepsen Christensen. She had three sisters and two brothers and they were all very close. Barbara grew up on her parents' Mink Creek ranch affectionately called "Klondike" because of its remote northerly location compared to the rest of the community. She and her brothers and sisters all helped on the ranch and learned the value of hard work. She graduated from Preston High School and worked in Preston for various employers.

In August of 1945 she met the love of her life, Marlow Smart, at a dance in the old Persiana dance hall while he was home on leave from the US Navy. Thus began a two year courtship. Marlow and Barbara were married on November 4, 1947. Barbara worked and supported Marlow at his various jobs until their family began. They were blessed with 5 children, one daughter and four sons. They made their home in Dayton all their lives.

In 1970, Barbara was appointed Postmaster of the Dayton Post Office where she served the community first from the old post office across the street from her home, then in an office she and Marlow built in their home and then finally, in a new building that still serves the community. She retired from the Postal Service in 1990, after 20 years of service.

Barbara was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings through-out her life in the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. She was always willing to help others. She loved Dayton Ward and all her friends there. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, quilting and spending time with her children.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother and one granddaughter. She is survived by her children, Steven (Judy) Smart, Chubbuck, Idaho; Robert (Sheryl) Smart, Pocatello, Idaho; , Suzanne (Kent) Hadley, Swan Lake, Idaho; Carl (Jennifer) Smart, Pocatello, Idaho; and Paul (Victoria) Smart, Preston, Idaho; 17 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She also survived by three sisters, LaVeda Cleaves, Pocatello, Idaho; Marcella Christensen, Logan, Utah; and Shirley Gunderson, Ivins, Utah and by one brother Kimber Christensen, Preston, Idaho.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Beckstead and the nurses and staff at Franklin County Medical Center for their kind assistance. The family also requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the LDS Church General Missionary fund.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at noon in the Dayton Ward Chapel, 825 N. Westside Hwy, Dayton, Idaho. Friends may call Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, Idaho and Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church in Dayton. Interment will be in the Dayton Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com