SMITH, Mary Alice

Mary Alice Smith, wife of former Mesa Schools Superintendent Dr. George N. Smith, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on April 23, 2004. Mary Alice was born on November 22, 1927 in Safford, Graham County, Arizona. She was the oldest of four daughters born to Gila Valley rancher William Leslie Ellsworth and his wife Trella Scarlett Ellsworth. Mary Alice graduated from Safford High School and Gila College in Thatcher. She met George while they were students at Gila. They were married in the Mesa LDS Temple on June 3, 1947. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Salt Lake City where George completed his education at the University of Utah. They returned to Arizona after graduation and George began a long career in education administration. The couple lived in the Arizona communities of Arlington, Tucson, Flagstaff and Mesa. They brought their family to Mesa in 1967. Mary Alice loved books, and was a voracious reader. As such, she was an extremely well rounded individual. She loved literature of all kinds and history. She also excelled in sewing prom dresses and blankets for her grandchildren, playing the piano, cooking, and teaching. She traveled the world extensively, and could be counted upon to answer trivia questions on most any subject. Throughout her life, Mary Alice demonstrated the spunk, independence, and determination that only a daughter of a rancher who has no sons could show. A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mary Alice served faithfully in many callings and positions in the Church. For the past four years, she served with George in the Mesa Temple as an ordinance worker, a position she loved dearly. She brought brightness to the world with a cheery disposition and a true love for people. Mary Alice will be greatly missed by her many friends of all ages. Mary Alice is survived by George ("Spec") Smith, her husband of 56 years, daughters Diana Thomas (Charles M.) of Mesa, Jennifer Johnson (Richard G.) of Centerville, Utah, sons David (Laura) and Scott (Kimberly) of Mesa, eighteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and her sisters Carol Ellsworth, Jean Niccol, and Diane Gourdin, all of Orem, Utah. Visitation at Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Citrus Heights Stake Center, 2549 N. 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ. Interment at Mesa City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Mary Alice Smith Scholarship Fund at George N. Smith Junior High School in Mesa. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/26/2004.