Marrilyn Fernelius

Marrilyn Louise Smith, age 92, passed away December 12, 2020. Surrounded by family, Mom passed through the veil after battling a short illness. She was embraced in love and reflected that love through her last moments on earth.

Marrilyn was born May 7, 1928 to Ferris J. Cullimore and Nellie Louise Backman. She married Keith Lowell Smith March 24, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith in 1992 and her grand-daughter, Heather, in 2018. They have five children: Pam (Terrell) York, Greg (Celia) Smith, Marcia (Steve) Phillips, Allison (Bob) Halvorsen, and Sydney (Bruce) Daw; 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

Later in life she married Blaine Fernelius, a dear family friend. They were together eleven years, a great blessing to both of them.

Mom was our everything. Her gentle nature and sweet spirit touched many lives and influenced for good. Marrilyn started her life turning heads with her beauty. In 1943, she was selected to be a “Princess” in the Days of ‘47 Pioneer Celebration. All of her life, Marrilyn was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. At age 66, she served a proselyting mission after becoming widowed and was called to the Georgia - Macon Mission.

Marrilyn was a family woman through and through. She loved getting together to play card and dice games with her family, making memories while traveling near and far, and even inviting the grandkids over for sleepovers in the sleeping bags she made for all of them. She made time for everyone and had a close network of friends. Even after her family grew and grandchildren and great-grandchildren moved far away, Mom would never forget a birthday and would send heartfelt cards with a special $2 bill.

Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, crafts, quilting, golf and she was an exquisite cook. She was famous for her amazing handmade dipped candy that she even sold them as “Smiths Chocolates” during Christmas time. Mom’s zest for life and ability to create beautiful things has touched us all and will continue to bless generations to come.

Mom, we will all miss you so much but we know that you are now without pain, hugging Dad and catching up with old friends and family.

Due to current conditions, there will be a private graveside service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Primary Children’s Hospital