Herma Clark Smith
(Written by Bernice H. Smith Gundry, Herma's daughter 9/29/90)
Herma Clark was born in the little town of Paris, Idaho as the first child of Hyrum D. Clark and Mary Alice Robinson. At that time she had eleven older half brothers and sisters. Herma had three brothers; Weston, J. Roland and Carlos and one sister Hazel. As a girl she helped her mother cook for hired men who worked on the ranch; she milked cows and helped drive farm machinery when older. Her mother had Polio when 11 mos. old so had difficulty walking all her life. All the family worked very hard, had very few comforts but there were strong bonds of love between them.
Mother was baptized in Stump Creek in Auburn, Wyoming on July 5, 1913. She loved her Heavenly Father and was faithful in her youth to the principles of the gospel. She never forgot the blessing of healing that was given to her when she was burned severely by flaming grease on her face, hands, legs and feet. The Elders administered to her and promised she would not have one scar remaining and within a few months every scar was gone.
She attended Logan High and Brigham Young College majoring in Business. She met Byron T. Smith in Logan and they were sealed as eternal companions in the Salt Lake Temple on October 4, 1922. Herma and Byron had six children Bernice Herma, Calvin Byron, Thomas Manfred and Glen Hyrum, Marlene Elaine, and Evelyn Ludean born in several places: Murray, Smithfield, Farmington, and Salt Lake City. They moved to find profitable work and lived with each of their parents for a time
Mother's life centered around her husband and children. She did all she could to help and encourage them. Birthdays, Easter and Christmas were very special days to her and she always had the family together for lovely meals and celebrations. She loved and was very proud of each one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as shown by the pictures of each on her special shelf in the dining room of her home.
When her husband retired, they took some lovely trips together to many parts of the U.S. and Alaska. The last eight years of Father's life he required lots of care. Mother was very devoted to his needs. After his passing June 24, 1973 it was only months later that she was told she could not live long with amyloidosis and cancer. With her courageous spirit, she accepted the Lord's will, even though only 69. She had a deep desire to learn, be a better person and be happy. She read good books and collected inspiring thoughts and verse.
One of her priceless possessions was her Book of Remembrance. In it she wrote her life story, numerous other histories, recorded genealogy of her family and ancestors and did temple work for many. We are blessed to have this valuable record to inspire and guide us. Mother felt that happiness comes from service and keeping the commandments of the Lord.
Mother passed away May 23, 1974 in the LDS Hospital at 6 p.m. She endured pain bravely and was released from this life shortly after a blessing by George A. Gundry dedicating her to the Lord. As she drew her last breath, she looked upward, smiled with her eyes glowing as if someone was greeting her. It was an inspirational experience.
In her own written words this is a message to her family:
"Our Heavenly Father has surely blessed us and we are so thankful to Him. We ask for His choicest blessings for all our children, grandchildren and our great-grandchildren. They are all very precious to us. Our advice to them all is to keep the commandments of God, pray often, keep close to the Lord and have love in their hearts for God and all His children."
