Cleo Smith

Cleo C. Smith passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2013 in her home after 94 years of a vibrant life. Cleo was born March 7, 1919 in Newton, Utah to L. Alphonso and Norma Benson Christensen. She was an only child and a very devoted daughter to her parents throughout their lives.
Cleo grew up in Newton helping with the duties on the family farm. She was educated in Cache County schools and graduated from Utah State University in education. She was married to her beloved sweetheart and eternal companion, Lewis C. Smith, just before he was assigned to the South Pacific as a fighter pilot during World War II. When he returned to the United States, after flying over 150 successful missions, they were reunited and assigned to bases in Louisiana and Texas where as a decorated pilot he taught combat flying. After the war, they settled in Newton. Theirs was a truly wonderful love story and they enjoyed 59 years together.
During the time Lewis was overseas, Cleo started teaching school in Idaho. While teaching at Preston High, she founded the girls dance/drill program. Once they both returned to Cache Valley, they started their family and began farming in Newton. Lewis and Cleo were blessed with 4 daughters: Christie Needham (S. Eugene), Dixie Lou Poole (Morris N.), Kathie Powers (Ed, deceased), and Jackie Leavitt (Michael). When the youngest of their daughters started grade school, Cleo re-entered the teaching work force. She taught elementary school and then remedial reading. Seeing a need, Cleo completed her master’s degree at USU in counseling and was the first female counselor in Cache Valley. She became a school counselor at North Cache Jr. High and concluded her career as a counselor at Sky View High. Cleo retired after 37 years in public education. She is a rare mother in her generation to have a master’s degree. She founded many programs for alternate education: an education campus for unwed mothers, a program for girls to obtain a CNA while in high school, a cosmetology program which could be started during students’ senior year, a foreign student exchange coordination program, and other vocational classes all allowing more students to receive their high school diplomas. She showed devotion for all of her students.
Cleo had a special sensitivity to students and spent extra time with those struggling with various problems. She always believed a student could accomplish their potential if they were given enough encouragement. Many of those special friendships continue today. Her service has always been a genuine 24-hour effort of love. Cleo’s real achievements were a result of her extraordinary service to others. She baked bread and gave away extra loaves every week. For most of her life, she took meals to the needy. Lewis often said that Cleo was the only person he knew that although her daughters married and moved away, her grocery bill went up! The compass for her life was, “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need……”
Both she and Lewis were honored as Outstanding Citizens of Newton; with a similar Honor from North Logan City after they relocated to be closer to family. Cleo was selected as A Woman of Achievement by Miss Utah Scholarship Program and named as an Influential Woman over 65 by USU Women’s Center.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. She and Lewis were always active with political causes. She taught dancing lessons to many and was her daughters’ first piano teacher, marimba teacher, and vocal teacher; and then supported them as they expanded their talents in various interests. Throughout her whole life she encouraged and showed love for others.
She is survived by their four daughters and three sons-in-law, 23 wonderful grandchildren, and 58 precious great-grandchildren; with 2 more on the way. She was preceded in death by her beloved Lewis, her parents, and son-in-law Ed.
There will be a viewing at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 East 1800 North on Friday, January 3rd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Logan 13th Ward Chapel on 1850 North 400 East. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4 with Bishop Tracy Walker conducting. Burial will be at the Newton Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net . In lieu of flowers, Cleo requested that contributions be made to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or to the Newton Town Library.