Lois Bernese Smart

Lois Bernese Smart was born March 20, 1918, at Rhyman, Colorado, the second child of Emory and Fannie (Retherford) Todd. With family gathered around her, she peacefully went to be with the Lord at her home on Saturday April 20, 2019 at the age of 101 years and one month.
Lois attended school at Rhyman thru the 11th grade. She told many stories of teachers her parents boarded and of riding "Old Trixie" across the canyon to school. It was at the Rhyman school she met the love of her life; Lois was 9 and a new boy came to school from Texas, Clinton Smart. He was 12 at the time. Lois was embarrassed because he wrote her name on his book and desk. Well, the sparks never completely went out, so on October 25, 1936, Clinton at age 21 and Lois age 18, were married at the Todd home. They were blessed with 73 1/2 years together. Two daughters were born to this union, Demia Carlene in 1941 and LaQuita Fay in 1952. The family was completed with the blessing of a son, Kevin Dale, in 1959.Lois adored her grandchildren and always had time for fun things with the family, including spending time with her 7 siblings and many nieces and nephews, and was Aunt Lois to many others. She had a way of making work into a game and always reminded you of how much fun it was to work together!
Clinton and Lois were baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn on August 6, 1935. This began their long and joyous walk with Christ. When Clinton was called into the ministry, Lois loved traveling with him to the many churches across the United States. They were known far and wide for their singing and works in the church. Lois loved the Lord and the family of God. This was her life. Many brethren were blessed by her hospitality, and sat at her table to enjoy, not only a good meal, but sharing the heavenly blessings.
Lois was a faithful midwife and loved the babies. If you were sick, Clinton and Lois were there to see about you. They always showed love and care to their friends and neighbors, as well as their brethren in the church.
Music and singing were a big part of the family. Many hours of traveling were spent singing praise to the Lord. She learned to play the Accordion and played a special for a gospel singing when she was 90 years old. Lois was also an accomplished seamstress. That was real nice for Carlene and LaQuita as you could just show her a picture and she could make it. She made Kevin's first suit.
Many acquaintances enjoyed her cake decorating talents. She made beautiful wedding and anniversary cakes as well as clever birthday cakes and cakes for any occasion. At the age of 91, she made and decorated a cake for Bro. Ben Cummings, as it was his 90th birthday. She loved to make donuts. The last time she made and served them, was for the church sponsored Ski Weekend, when she was 90.
Celebrating Mother's birthdays was always fun because of her enthusiasm for a wiener roast, a picnic, or even roller skating on her 74th birthday! She enjoyed early morning walks, and did them regularly. At the age of 96, she still walked 2 miles a day on county road 22 in front of her house. She was always ready for a good hike or going camping. She look forward to church camp each summer and along with Clinton, put hours of time and labor into the preparation. She also kept records of numbers in attendance and special events. She even went to the Idaho Church Camp with LaQuita at the age of 95.
LaQuita lived with her Mother the last several years and was her loving care-taker as age took its toll.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Clinton; 2 sons-in-law, Glenn Case and Clement Cramer; her 4 brothers, Vernon Todd, Robert Todd, Kenneth Todd and Dale Todd; her 2 sisters, Venita Ransom and Della Jean Herrmann; three sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law; and one great granddaughter, Torrie Hinkle.
Lois leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Carlene Porter and husband Bill, of Arriola, Colorado, LaQuita Cramer of the home, and Kevin Smart and wife Dorinda, of Palisade, Colorado; one sister, Berta Boyd and husband Raymond, of Pleasant View, Colorado; a Sister-in-law, Rena Todd of Lewis, Colorado; 13 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, beloved brethren and friends.