Stephen Petersen Smith

Stephen Petersen Smith was born March 12, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah to George Carlos Smith, Jr. and Pearl LaVon Petersen Smith. He was the third of five children and grew up in Holladay, Utah, where he formed lifelong friendships and attended Olympus High School. During his senior year, he joined the Utah National Guard and later trained at Fort Ord, California, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

At age 19, Steve served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland. He developed a deep love for the Scottish people and often referred to it as a place, “Where the grass is green and the people are some of the best in the world!” He spoke much of the joy he felt as a full time missionary, though he never forgot the bitter cold winters.

After returning home, Steve continued his service in the Utah National Guard and pursued his education at Utah State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later received a master’s degree from Brigham Young University. He married Suzanne Oviatt (later divorced), and together they had five children: Mark Stephen, Shane Oviatt, John Hyrum, David Earl, and Stephanie Anne.

Steve began his career as a seminary teacher in Vernal, Utah, at Uinta High School in 1967. He later taught at Skyline High School, while also working at the family business, Carlos Smith Showkase, during the summers.

He left teaching, then spent two decades working alongside his brother Bud operating Carlos Smith Showkase — a beloved and legendary Holladay landmark — where friends and neighbors gathered to fill up their gas tanks, grab an ice cream cone, or purchase an appliance. Carlos Smith’s was truly a community icon that employed countless teenagers in Holladay.

Steve’s passion for teaching ultimately brought him back to the classroom as a history teacher at Taylorsville High School, where he taught for 17 years and also served as the boys’ and girls’ head tennis coach. He loved mentoring students, sharing his enthusiasm for history and country, and building lasting relationships with colleagues and students alike.

In 1988, Steve married his “Angel”, Donna Sue Baker, in the Salt Lake Temple where they were sealed after being introduced by his mother LaVon. Together they served several missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including liaisons at the Cody Mural Visitors Center in Wyoming, twice as locator missionaries at church headquarters, and as guides at the Church Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Steve loved golf and visiting various courses while on traveling adventures with his sweetheart Sue. Golfing was also something he delighted in doing with his sons and grandsons any time he had the chance.

He also enjoyed playing pool with his friends, coaching softball for the Olympus 3rd Ward, and was passionate about cheering on the Utah State Aggies. He would frequently say, “If you want a piece of heaven, try some Aggie Ice Cream.”

His greatest joy, however, was his family. He cherished every opportunity to watch his children and grandchildren participate in all kinds of sports, dance, cheerleading, singing, and various other activities, proudly declaring, “They are awesome!”

His four great grandchildren will forever hold a special place in his heart. He faithfully prayed for his “little ones” each day, even in his final days.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Steve lived a life of love, service, and unwavering faith. He always magnified his church callings and exemplified what it means to endure to the end — quietly teaching by example through his kindness, humility, and deep devotion to God and his family.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents; his brother, Jerry; and his sister, Susan.

He is survived by his children — Mark (Kristine), Shane (Natalie), John (Patricia), David (Trisha), and Stephanie — 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Bud (Annette) and Nanette (Bruce).

Though our Pops will be deeply missed, we find comfort knowing he is joyfully reunited with his beloved Sue, and that his legacy of faith, love, and family will continue to live on in all of us!

A morning viewing will be held Thursday April 30, 2026, from 9-10:45 am at the Olympus 3rd Ward, 4100 Camille St, Holladay, UT 84124, followed by the Funeral at 11:00 am.

The ward will be providing a livestream at: https://zoom.us/j/.95585319337

Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Rosemont garden, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106.