Ruby Jean Christensen Smith, 98, passed away September 10, 2026, in Sandy, Utah. She was born August 30, 1928, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Willmor E. Christensen and Ruby V. Stewart Christensen. Jean graduated from Salt Lake City’s South High School in 1946. She met Dean Richard Smith on a blind date and they were married on November 17, 1949, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Jean was a gifted singer winning many awards and competitions. She enjoyed learning songs in other languages and singing as a guest soloist in church choirs of various denominations. She was a member of the GraceNotes quartet for more than 20 years. They traveled the state performing at many religious and community events.
Jean was an active member of the LDS Church and held many callings, most involving music. She loved working in her garden, knitting and crocheting, working on puzzles, or making homemade bread and jam with Dean. Advanced age took her hearing and eyesight making daily life a challenge and her hobbies almost impossible. She was blessed with a keen mind and memory until her final days.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; brother, Keith and sister, Faye. She is survived by three children: Steven (Shari), Craig, and Pamela (David) Terry, 6 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, at 1:00pm. A viewing will be held inside the mortuary one hour prior at 12:00 Noon.
The family thanks the professional, respectful people at Aspire Home Health & Hospice, Pemberley Senior Living, and Olympus Ranch Independent Living for the care given and kindness shown to Jean.
