Kenneth Devere Smith

Kenneth Devere Smith, 88, of Shelley, Idaho, passed away Tuesday morning November 7, 2006 at The Willows Assisted Living Facilities in Blackfoot, Idaho.  

He was born May 26, 1918 in Shelley, Idaho to Francis T. Smith and Myrtle Andersen Smith.  He attended school in Shelley, Idaho as well as Utah State University in Logan, Utah.  

Kenneth was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served a two-year mission to California from January 1942 to February 1944 and had numerous other church callings throughout his life.  

On November 12, 1943, he married Verna Dee Beus in the Salt Lake Temple.  Kenneth and Verna have three sons, Jerry, Lynn and Arlin.  Verna passed away in January of 1961.  

Farming was his occupation of choice and he farmed in the Shelley, the Ammon and the Rose areas.  He was a progressive farmer being one of the first farmers to use modern technology.  In 1949 he and his family drilled two of the first “deep” wells and converted desert ground to farming.  In 1955, he put in one of the first sprinkler systems and started harvesting potatoes in bulk using potato combines and bulk beds.  He successfully continued to farm until the late 80's when he retired.   

Kenneth enjoyed being with his family and went on various vacations with his children and grandchildren.  He loved visiting with friends and family and he was also one of the first to help anyone in need.  

He is survived by his three sons, Jerry (Kathy), Lynn (Debbie), Arlin (Nadine) all of Blackfoot, thirteen grandchildren and seven & 3/4 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his six sisters, Ila Backlund, Mildred (Roy) Schwabedissen, Donna (Carlos) Nielson, Maxine Ransom, Vanda Kendall, Dorothy (Dick) Crandall, one brother, Dean (Zola) Smith and numerous nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna, sister, Lucille Jensen and brother Lee Smith.  

Kenneth’s family would very much like to thank the caring, loving staff at The Willows and the care givers from Hospice who helped us through his last few months.   

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2006 at the Shelley South Stake Center, 675 South Milton Ave. Shelley, Idaho with Bishop Vern Bowden officiating.  The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W. Oak St. Shelley, Idaho and Saturday morning one hour before services at the church.  Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery in Shelley.