Zenda Smith McDermott

Justin's Grandma passed away last Thursday. I had the pleasure of meeting her and visiting her on several occasions. Jack got to meet her last summer on our trip out to Idaho. Even though she had Alzheimer’s and couldn't remember us, she still radiated love for everyone. When she met Jack, she kept saying how he was a cute little boy and was giving him lots of kisses. Below is a picture of Great-Grandma McDermott, Justin's dad and Jack, followed by her obituary.


On May 7, 2009 Zenda Smith McDermott returned to her heavenly home, something she had longed for.

Zenda was born June 9, 1924 in Weston, Idaho. She is the daughter of Nellie Gilbert and Joseph Smith. She was the eighth child of nine living children. Zenda gained her education in the Weston schools.

As a child she could take eggs to the grocery store in exchange for penny candy. She watched her mother sew clothes on a treadle sewing machine. Her family went through some tough times during the depression.

She married Lew F. McDermott on October 1, 1940 in Preston, Idaho. Their marriage was later sealed in the Logan Temple. They made their permanent home in Clifton, Idaho where they raised their nine children, Bonnie (Melvin) Ball of Renton, Washington, Marilyn (Dick) Swainston of Preston, Idaho, Reta (Bob) Halverson, of Roy, Utah, Colleen (deceased) (Ford) Hammerland of Soda Springs, Idaho, Michael (Meridee) McDermott of Tremonton, Utah, Nadine (Craig) Mangus, of Santa Clara, Utah, Casey Lew (Barbara) McDermott of Rigby, Idaho, Brenda (Jeff) Gundersen of Meridian, Idaho and Jeffrey (Dani) McDermott of Cedar City, Utah.

Zenda was a member of the LDS Church. She faithfully served in the Relief Society and Primary. She raised her nine children with love and kindness and encouraged them to be obedient to God.

She was a good example. Zenda showed her daughters the role of wife and mother and how to be a good homemaker. Being self-reliant was important. Teaching us to garden, can our harvest, and be tidy was just a part of doing our chores. She taught her sons the responsibility of being good brothers and sons, to take care of themselves and to respect womanhood.
She was a great cook and got lots of practice with her large family. The kindness she extended to others was done quietly and without a need for recognition.

One of her special talents is that of a peacemaker. She was a sweet and gentle soul. She was never contentious even up to the end. Her children would play against each other jokingly saying that they were the favorite child, but Zenda would never admit she had a favorite. Her home was a place of safety and peace to her children and husband. We are sure that Mom was smiling as she was released from this life to join her husband and other family members in heaven.

She is survived by her eight children, 29 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She has one living sister, Elva Larson. She was preceded in death her by her husband, (Sep 2000) daughter Colleen, her parents, five brothers; Orval, Kenneth, Glen, Reed, and Clyde Smith and two sisters, Verda Gibbs and Edna Stephens.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 11th at the Clifton 2nd Ward Chapel at Clifton, Idaho. Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at Webb Funeral Home, 109 E. Oneida, Preston, Idaho, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Clifton Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center & Franklin County Nursing Home for their many kindnesses, and the gentle and loving care they gave to our Mom these past 5 ½ years.