Ollie Jean Smitheram Obituary
Ollie Jean Smitheram, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and friend to many, passed away on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She was born on April 12th, 1936, in Preston, Idaho. Ollie Jean was the daughter of Delbert Hale Jensen and Delna Pearl Nelson. She spent her younger years growing up on a farm in Mink Creek, Idaho, and later attending school in Preston, Idaho. Ollie Jean was partly raised by her grandparents Lenard and Julia Olive Nelson.
She spoke of her grandparents with great love as they helped build a foundation of faith within her as a young child. Ollie Jean attended Preston High School and was a member of the Preston Indian cheer squad. After graduating from Preston High School in 1954, Ollie Jean moved to Riverside, California. While in Riverside, California, Ollie Jean met and fell in love with George Richard Smitheram. The couple was married on February 12th, 1955, in Riverside, California. They were later sealed on October 18th, 1958, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Los Angeles, California Temple.
In 1969 the young couple decided to move their family from the sunny beaches of California to Anchorage, Alaska. In Alaska, the family grew and established many life-long friends and relationships. Ollie Jean's life was defined as a life of service to others. While raising her young children, Ollie Jean worked different jobs to help supplement the family's income. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, always serving in whatever capacity or calling that was asked of her.
She enjoyed putting on church road shows, skits, and community plays. In the early 80's she was named "Mother of the Year" for the State of Alaska by the American Mothers Association. Ollie Jean's greatest joy in life came from being with her family and friends. Those who associated with her can attest that she always was concerned for each person individually, and wanted to know how they were doing, and what she could do to help. She found joy in the success and happiness of others. For those who were struggling, she was quick with advice, and always offered her love, comfort, and support.
She truly did give all that she had to help those in need. She remained steadfast throughout her life in her testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her belief that families can be together forever. She knew that death was not the end, but a door to another chapter in her life. Ollie Jean Smitheram looked forward to a glorious reunion with those loved ones who preceded her in death. Some of those were her husband George Richard Smitheram, daughter Kelly Sue Larsen, mother Delna Pearl Nelson, grandson Chandler Jenkins, and other loved ones.
She leaves behind children; Kirk (Kerry) Smitheram, Kevin (JoAnn) Smitheram, Chris Smitheram, Korey (Shelly) Smitheram, Kay-Dawn (Brian) Minshew, and son-in-law Mark Larsen. She also leaves a legacy of loved ones, as she is survived by 20 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Thursday, August 15th from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at Zeyers Funeral Home, located at 83 North Midland Blvd, Nampa, Idaho, 83651. Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 16th at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- West Stake Center, located at 1500 Smith Ave, Nampa, Idaho, 83651.
The burial will be held at the Boise Veterans Cemetery, located at 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, Idaho.
My mom's dear friend, my best friend's mom, my sister's mother-in-law, my other sister's best friend's mom. Long history of 2 close families.
I met OJ about 13 years ago in our ward in Nampa, Idaho. I was called to be primary president, and Heavenly Father let me know she was to be my counselor. My husband's family had known her years ago when they all lived in Alaska at the same time. She became my counselor, then she became a permanent fixture in my life. It didn't take me long for me to begin to refer to her as 'Mother'. She became 'Mother', and grandma OJ to me and my family from that point forward. OJ was the most incredible woman. Her sense of humor kept us all in stitches, all the time. I was blessed to clean her house for her every other week for a few years. I loved serving her in that capacity. During that time we became even closer. I would pour my heart out to her and she would give me Motherly advice. I loved surprising her on Mother's Day and her birthday by dropping things by, or stealing her away for a bit. We always were up to shenanigans and I enjoyed every single minute of it. No matter what I was involved in, Mother always supported me. We would laugh hysterically at little inside jokes we would share. She had the quickest wit of anyone I knew and never failed to surprise me by what would come out of her mouth so fast! She was someone that I absolutely adored and was close enough to that not much needed explanation, she just understood what was going on in my life. I miss her so bad already, but I can't be too sad because I know she missed her husband and Kelly so much. My solace and peace come from knowing where she is now, and who she is with. I'm so happy for her, but ache for just one more chat together so we can laugh and laugh at all our jokes and stories. I know someday I will get that time with her again. She loved her family so much and often shared memories of her children and grandkids with me. She was so proud of each and every one of them. I was lucky enough to have been taken under her wing for a time while she was here, and can't wait to see her again.
