Jaye "Lori" Clark Smith passed away after a brief battle with cancer on May 7, 2014 in Modesto.
Lori was born in Murray, Utah to J. LeRoy and Dolores Clark. When Lori was 10 years old she moved to Merced with her family. Her parents opened the Kentucky Fried Chicken downtown in 1968 and Lori was a dedicated employee for many years. Lori graduated from Merced High School in 1976 and CSU Stanislaus in 1994. Shortly after graduating from college she started teaching in the Riverbank Unified School District. Lori had a passion for teaching and made a lasting impact on students in their lives. She was greatly admired by students and staff.
Lori was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Lori loved her membership in the church and faithfully served in various callings throughout her life. She especially enjoyed serving in the Oakland Temple.
Lori met the love of her life, Charles "Chuck" Russell Smith, in 1992 and they were married on Aug. 11, 1994 on a softball field in Stockton. Their marriage was solemnized in the Oakland temple on April 26, 2003.
Lori was an amazing person with many talents and gifts, one of them was her amazing singing voice. She was a friend to many and always had a smile on her face. She loved life and especially loved her family.
Lori is survived by her eternal companion, Chuck Smith of Ceres; her children, Heather (Dan) Grow of Salem, Ore., Jackie (Luke) Fisher of Hillsboro, Ore., Nic (Adriana) Gantzer of Modesto, Bobby Gantzer of Sacramento, and Sarah Smith of Ceres; her in laws, Russ and Charleann Smith of Ceres; her siblings, JoDee (Jay) Sundberg of Orem, Utah, Kelly (Lisa) Clark of Provo, Utah, and Misty (Ken) House of Grants Pass, Ore. Lori also leaves behind eight grandchildren who brought her great joy, Hayden, Lilly Anne, Jaxon, Molly Sue, Ainsley, Nolan, Henry, and Violet.
Lori was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest child who was 3 in 2000. Charles Russell Smith II, and nephew Ryan Lee Clark.
The viewing on Mother's Day had many family, friends, and students who came to pay tribute. The funeral service had a packed church that was very touching and had a roller coaster of emotions from all that attended.
Lori was interned on Monday, May 12 at Ceres Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ceres Second Ward and mailed to Bishop Aron G. Holloway, ATTN: Lori's missionary fund, 1730 Gene Road, Ceres CA 95307.
-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
