SMITH, Roberta

SMITH

ROBERTA BILLINGSLEY SMITH, left her earthly home on December 9, 2021 at age ninety-four to join her eternal companion, Byron Charles Smith. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Roberta was born March 25, 1927, in Cardston, Alberta, the second of three children to Oneta and Ervin Billingsley. She grew up in Glenwood and had fond memories of time spent with family and friends. Family has always been at the center of Roberta’s life, along with her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day- Saints.

She married her sweetheart, Byron, on September 12, 1946 in the Cardston, Alberta temple. After living a short time in Welling, Glenwood became their beloved home where they raised their eight children on the farm. Roberta felt “too timid” to be a farmer’s wife but she showed her remarkable ability to overcome challenges. She cleaned animal pens, herded sheep and cows, chased mean roosters with a broomstick, fed lambs and calves, and drove tractors. She was an avid gardener and spent many hours each summer canning fruit and vegetables, making pickles, or jam to help feed her large family.

Roberta taught herself to sew and spent many late nights on her trusty Bernina finishing holiday outfits, or dance costumes. Her grandchildren were delighted to receive her handmade quilts.

Anyone who knew Roberta loved receiving her homemade baking or Christmas chocolates. The candy and nut bowls kept by the front door were a favorite of grandchildren. Sharing food and hosting family and friends were Roberta’s language of love.

Through the years Roberta served faithfully in many church positions, and more importantly looked for opportunities to quietly serve others.

When she committed to do something, she went above and beyond which has been a model for her posterity.

In 1995 Roberta and Byron served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They also served in the Cardston Alberta Temple for many years.

If you asked Roberta to describe herself, she would tell you that she was a simple woman who tried to raise a good family. However, if you asked her family, they would use words like selfless, thoughtful, faith filled, determined, courageous, industrious, a loyal friend, creative, hard-working and loving. An elect lady!

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband Byron to whom she was married for 72 years. Their posterity includes their children: Craig (Colleen), Wendy (Dave-deceased), Barbara (Robert), Aileen (John), Kevin (Kelly- deceased), Danny (Wanda), Drew (Ross), Julie (Marc), thirty-five grandchildren, seventy-three great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at West Highlands Good Samaritans in Lethbridge for their loving care for her and Byron.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Glenwood.

Interment to follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. To watch the service at the time of the Funeral Service Please click the link below to join the

webinar: https://zoom.us/j/96616698390.

To send condolences or to WATCH the service Online Later, please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca