Our beloved family matriarch, Clara Diane Zollinger Smith, passed away peacefully from this earth on Saturday, August 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home. Diane was eager to be reunited with the love of her life, Roland Edward Smith, who preceded her in death a year and a half ago. Her family finds peace knowing "the lovebirds" are together again for eternity.

Clara Diane Zollinger was born on April 23, 1938 to Camille and LaFonzo Zollinger in her grandmother's home in Providence, Utah. Diane attended Ellis Elementary School, Logan Junior High School, and she graduated from Logan High School in 1955. Diane attended several years of college at Brigham Young University and Utah State University.

Diane married Roland Edward Smith in the Logan Temple on June 6, 1960. Together they raised seven wonderful children. Diane found profound joy in her motherhood and often joked she raised her children by herself while Roland was a "weekend visitor".

Diane and Roland spent a majority of their married life serving the Navajo people. They accepted jobs at the Intermountain Indian School, Shonto Boarding School, and the Kaibeto Boarding School for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Roland's earlier missionary service to the Native American people was foundational for the life of service they built together—unique experiences they treasured deeply.

A cherished chapter of Diane's life was living on their four-acre homestead in Honeyville, Utah. She taught her young family how to work hard by teaching them to care for milk cows, beef cows, chickens, pigs, horses, as well as growing and harvesting crops. Diane loved canning her homegrown bounty and passed down that love to some of her posterity. Many memorable hours were spent in the kitchen laughing, cutting, preparing jars, and learning lasting life lessons with her at the sink.

Diane enjoyed working hard and serving others. She served faithfully in all of her callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including serving as the Bishop's wife for five years and scribe for her Patriarch husband for twenty-five years. Diane especially enjoyed serving in the Saint George Temple for twenty-five years in the sealing office while Roland served as a temple sealer. They were known for their valiant faith and "the special feeling" felt in their home.

Diane was talented at making quilts and shared her gift with her friends, family, and neighbors. Diane handtied her love into countless blankets which she lovingly donated to homeless shelters, hospitals, and those in need over the years. Many of her children and grandchildren received a coveted "Grandma Quilt" many labeled "Made with Love by Grandma". It was a labor of love truly appreciated by her loved ones.

Diane was passionate about preserving family history and making memories with her family. She kept a meticulous written history of her life almost daily for over fifty years. Diane wrote a complete history of Roland's life and her parent's lives before they died, thus preserving priceless stories now enjoyed by their posterity. Diane experienced numerous miracles and visions that helped her gather and preserve her ancestors' histories. Diane loved to host regular family reunions to strengthen relationships with her family, make fun memories together, and teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Diane was an example of charity and forgiveness. She could not be deterred or swayed when she set her mind to something. She devoted her life to her faith and her love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was known for her honest tongue and quick wit and always tried to make amends if she did someone wrong. Diane had Christlike charity and actively looked for ways to help her family and those around her.  Her kind acts of service will be remembered for years to come.

Diane leaves behind a large legacy of family that already miss her immensely. She is survived by all seven of her children: Todd Smith (Beckey) Ridgecrest CA, Teresa Koerner (Dean) St. George UT, Tony Smith (Kristin) Apache Junction AZ, Tracy Smith (Mandy) Alpine UT, Terry Smith (Rose) Saratoga Springs UT, Tamara Harding (Jeff) Logandale NV, and Tina Fekete (Joel) Edmonds WA; as well as twenty-seven grandchildren, and thirty-seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Winchester Hills 2nd Ward Chapel, 5338 Winchester Drive, St. George Utah. Viewings will be held at the church on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00pm and briefly before services on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30am. Interment will held be at Tonaquint Cemetery located at 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

Those unable to attend are invited to view the services at the following link: Livestream Link

Diane Smith Funeral Service Program