Addie Uwarda Smellie

Addie Uwarda Smellie June 20, 1937 – January 1, 2015

 Our dearest wife, mother, sister and friend, Addie Uwarda Smellie passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2015 with her husband at her side, after fulfilling a productive and exemplary life.

Uwarda was born in Longview, Washington and was raised in Portland, Oregon.  She graduated from Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon before attending college at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah.  She graduated from BYU with a degree in Elementary Education and began teaching school in Utah.  While at BYU, Uwarda met her future husband and eternal companion, and were sealed together in the Los Angeles Temple in 1959—enjoying more than 55 loving years together as husband and wife.  For many years, Uwarda enjoyed a successful teaching and professional career.  She also worked in executive and administrative positions for several private and public companies.  Uwarda was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) her entire life, where she served in the Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society auxiliaries.  Later in life, Uwarda worked and served in several LDS Temples as an ordinance worker and shift supervisor; and Uwarda had a love for and a desire to do family history and genealogy work; and she was active in doing indexing of names for future Temple work.  Following retirement, Uwarda enjoyed spending time with her husband travelling around the country visiting family and friends, while living full-time in their personal Motor Home.  Although Uwarda was confined to a wheelchair and subjected to major disabilities in her later years, she was an inspiration to all as she never complained about her limitations or continual discomfort; rather she courageously persevered and was an inspiration and example to all who knew her as she endeavored to live a full and productive life.

Uwarda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ersell Shirts and Myrtle Gottfredson Shirts along with an older brother and three older sisters.  She was also preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Uwarda Vachele.   Uwarda was unconditionally loved and cared for by her husband, Robert F. Smellie, and he will profoundly miss the opportunity to serve his “best friend” and eternal companion on a daily basis. Uwarda is also survived by her brothers, Gerald Shirts, Gale Shirts, and Elmo Shirts; as well as by her children, Jillayne & (Dave) Thomas; Douglas Smaellie; Kenneth & (Susan) Smaellie; and Jana & (Matt) Mangum.  She was also the grandmother of 18 wonderful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located in Sun River at 1483 W. Angel Arch Drive in St. George.  A viewing will be held prior to the funeral service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary. (435) 674-5000.