Grace Bankhead Smith

On a snowy day in Wellsville, Utah, Grace Bankhead Smith entered this world on October 16, 1935. She peacefully passed from this life on November 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 

Grace was born to William and Elizabeth Bailey Bankhead, the youngest of four children. She grew up in Wellsville, attending local schools and graduating from South Cache High School in 1954. After graduation she met the love of her life, Jay Smith. The two were married, and together they raised a family that would be her pride and joy. 

From their union came five children: Rose (Boyd) Nielson, Teena (Rick) Johnson, Charlotte (David) Earley, Rulon (Robyn) Smith, and William Tay (Alyce) Smith. Grace was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her children, 17 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply. 

Grace was known for her hands-on talents and creative spirit. She found joy in crafting, creating beautiful plastic canvas pieces, embroidering pillowcases, knitting slippers, and making cozy blankets. Her skills touched the hearts of everyone who received her handmade gifts. Grace was also an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), where she found community and camaraderie. She was a deeply devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served faithfully. In 2001, she went through the temple, and later, her beloved husband, Jay, was sealed to her for eternity. 

Grace was a woman of routine and reliability. She was always prompt, ensuring that dinner was on the table by 5:00 p.m. each evening, waiting for Jay to come home from work. Together, they worked side by side in the garden, tending to their plants and nurturing their home with love and care. 

She preceded in death by her husband, Jay Smith, her siblings Audra Nelson, Sarah Lindley, and Ray Bankhead, and several beloved family members: son-in-law David Earley, grandsons Jeremy Jay Hillyard and David Jay Johnson, granddaughter Milley Jill Smith, and great-granddaughter Kyleigh Maline Ruedas. 

Grace’s kind spirit, unwavering devotion to family, and simple but profound love for life will deeply be missed by all who knew her. 

Graveside services to celebrate Grace’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Hyrum City Cemetery on 525 E Main St, Hyrum, UT 84319.  A viewing will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hyrum 5th Ward 105 N. 400 W., and again on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the same location. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Atlas Home Care and Hospice, and a special note of appreciation to Grace’s great-granddaughter Breanna Poulsen for her loving care and compassion. The family is also deeply grateful for the support of her CNA Sidney, and her granddaughter Meagan Hugie, who spent countless hours offering loving care and tenderness to Grace in her final days. 

Grace’s life was a testament to love, service, and faith, and though she has left this earthly realm, her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.