Darrell Ball Smith

Darrell Ball Smith, 91, passed away March 6, 2022, at home in Vernal, Utah. He was born the third child to Samuel and Priscilla Isabell Ball Smith – March 10,1930 in Coalville, Utah.

Darrell was raised on the ranch by his loving parents in Upton, Utah. He spent his years there fishing, hunting, and roaming the hills with family and friends. Darrell was the adored little brother by his two older sisters Grace & Beth. His love for his sisters was always evident providing them with love and care. As a teen he was thrilled to have free range on the back of the family property at Elkhorn doing the strenuous work of baling hay and working on their ranch. They raised chickens, cattle and sheep. Darrell eventually went to work for a while with the Deseret Livestock.

As was popular then, Darrell spent time with his buddies and going to school dances to socialize. By doing so, it worked in his favor when he met Donna Marie Dawson. They fell in love and were married July 2,1949 in Henefer, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Provo Utah Temple. Their life together took them and their children to Green River, WY, Clear Creek/Scofield, UT, Duchesne UT, then a final move to Vernal Utah. Together they had six children, whom Darrell taught a strong work ethic, a love of hunting and doing many activities together such as camping and riding horses. He was a patient and gentle father, eager to support his children in their activities and accomplishments. Darrell was proud of his children and had a great respect for his own pioneer heritage.

Darrell went to work for Mountain Fuel where he worked for 41 years to support his growing family.

After he retired in1990, Darrell spent countless hours organizing not only his own genealogy but helped many other family members and friends to do their own family records. Additionally to this Darrell donated a lot of time and used his own money to restore headstones in the local cemeteries. Darrell was a generous and selfless person, willing to share all that he had to help those in need. He was cheerful, dependable, and a good listener.

He had a passion for enjoying nature, his horses, and his favorite dogs. Although he loved his solitude, he was always eager to welcome his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His love was abundant, never doubted and was always greeted with warm hugs.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His life was well lived, and he was well loved. He has left a permanent mark and history etched on our hearts and will be enormously missed.

Darrell was preceded in death by his dear loving wife, Donna Marie Dawson Smith April 30, 2001. Also preceding him in death were his parents and his two sisters Grace Wright and Beth Wheaton. He is survived by his children Rhonda Woolsey; Evan (Sherlee) Smith, Grant (Judy) Smith, Keith (Debra) Smith, Jeff (Connie) Smith, and Arlene Smith. Arlene, his youngest daughter was his selfless caretaker for many years. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren; and many dear nieces and nephews.

You are welcome to join us for a graveside service under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary which will be held in the Henefer Utah Cemetery Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00.

The family would like to thank Canyon Homecare & Hospice of Vernal for their hard work and dedication to Darrell. A very heartfelt mention of thanks to Mike and Joni Corbin for their countless years of help to the family over the years. Thank you all so much.

Graveside Services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11 AM at the Henefer Cemetery (1314 - 1328 Peaks Rd Henefer, UT 84033)