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Dennis Edward Smith

Jun. 15, 1954 - Sep. 27, 2024

Date of Service: Oct. 7, 2024

RUPERT – Dennis Edward Smith, 70, of Rupert, passed away at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Friday, September 27, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Dennis was born June 15, 1954, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Charles “Chuck” and Denise Chapman Smith. He was the first of four children, followed by brother, Larry; sister, Charlene; and brother, Terry. The family moved to Rupert in 1960, where he grew up. Dennis attended Pioneer, Memorial, and Lincoln Elementary Schools. He attended Washington Jr. High School and graduated from Minico High School. In Dennis’ teenage years he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, racing motorcycles, and being a member of the Minico FFA Club.

After graduating with the class of 1972, Dennis attended Ricks College in Rexburg and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. In the spring of 1973, he accepted a call to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the Cumorah Mission that later became the New York Rochester Mission.

After his mission, on September 3, 1975, Dennis went on his first date with the love of his life, Leah Rae Bagnall. He took her to a Chicago concert in Pocatello, Idaho. They were later married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on February 25, 1977. Dennis and Leah moved north of Rupert into the home where they would farm and raise their four children together.

Farming was his occupation of choice and he did so all of his life. He loved his family and enjoyed working with them. He farmed alongside his father, Chuck; father-in-law, Norman Bagnall; and brother-in-law, Bruce Bagnall. He passed the love of farming on to his sons and grandsons, who have worked the farm alongside him as well.

Dennis was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many capacities through the years. Among those were elders quorum president, Addiction Recovery instructor, and Scoutmaster. It was through these callings that he developed his love for selfless service to others. He loved people and always found ways to serve them.

Through his adult life, one of his greatest joys came from helping young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He has helped more than 50 boys reach this honor. Dennis’ dedicated years of service to the boys and the Scouting program earned him the distinguished Silver Beaver Award (the highest award that a council can present for service to its volunteers).

Dennis is survived by his wife of 47 years, Leah Rae; his daughter, Jennifer (Justin) Webb of Rupert; his son, Jeremy (Amber) of Paul; his son, Preston (Kristen) of Idaho Falls; his daughter, Ashley Smith Cyr of Twin Falls; 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandson, Brogan Smith.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Rupert Stake Center, located at 324 E. 18th Street, in Rupert, with Bishop Boyd Bingham officiating. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, October 6, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/GghAoQ6OiKo.

Condolences for Dennis Edward Smith

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From Penny (Lish) Thompson :

Leah, I am sorry to read about your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From Glade Chapman:

Sending light and love to you Leah and your entire family. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Even though Denny was 17 years older than me as a teenager working with him for three summers on the farm he treated me like an equal, and helped teach me to be a hard worker. Continue farming in heaven cuz, I love you.

From Dean and Debra Condie :

Always a smile and a quick wit comment. He loved his kids so much. You guys were such a cute couple ! Our prayers are with you !

From Tim/Andrea Jolley :

Leah and family:
We extend our heartfelt love and sympathy. You and Dennis were such a great example to so many. We pay for peace and the Savior's love to give you the comfort, faith, and strength to endure this difficult time. Bless you too know He is near.

From Alex Heward:

What a great man always had a smile on his face.I always enjoyed our conversations he will be missed.

From alan tanner:

A great man will be missed.

From Richard & Kelly Lowry:

Dennis was a wonderful man and he always influenced others for good. I love to listen to him laugh. He blessed everyone in the Rupert area and he touched my life with this kindness and his great discipleship. He continues to be a great source of light in the spirit world. Leah, we pray for you and your family and all of your children and grandchildren, as the Holy Ghost lifts all of you toward our Savior. Your Eternal friends the Lowrys.

From Ed and Sunny Cenk:

Dennis walked the walk of his faith. We are blessed to have the Smiths as our kindest neighbors in four states. A loss to his family and his community as well. Our heartfelt condolences to Leah and family.

From Scott & Amber Tyler:

We are deeply sorry to hear about Dennis passing. He will be missed by many!

From Minico Class of '72:

So sorry for your loss. Dennis will be remembered as a classmate.

From Diana & Dennis Warburton:

You are in our thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed visiting with Dennis when he would come into A&B Irrigation.

From Melanie Irigoyen :

I’m so sorry to hear this Leah. I always enjoyed visiting with Dennis. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time

From Laurelie Bell:

Being your roommate at BYU during your courtship period gave me insight to Dennis and his fun, giving nature. I'm sorry you are going through this.

From Gayna Breeze:

Sending condolences and love during this tender time. May you feel the peace of the Savior’s love surrounding you as you reminisce on happy times you shared with Dennis. I hadn’t realized he was so involved in scouting. But I did know he loved his family and what a great legacy he is leaving for them.

From Shirley Jean Halford - Hubbard:

Leah! I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know him but I am sure he was very special Please take care and if you need anything please do not hesitate to ask. Shirley from Dr. Lynn Hansen's Office

From Cousin Nels and Pat Moller:

Dear Leah Rae and families,
Pat and I are sad to learn about Dennis's death. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Dennis. Pat has memories of his kindness at Andrew's graveside service on a cold winter day. Dennis kindly offered her his coat. That was the way we recalled our memories of him. May the Lord be with you in this time of sorrow. I'm sure his neighbors and fellow churchmen will be there for you. Cousin Nels D.

From Brian Beard :

Dennis and I had some great times together. I will always remember his Trans Am we drove home from Rick's one time going over 100mph so he could take Leah to a dance. He will always be one of my best friends.

From Les and Lisa Tyler:

Leah and family, we are so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. I didn’t realize that he had gotten so bad with his health. I know we have talked when I see you at the school Leah and we have put him on the prayer list. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, we’re just a call away.

From The Gene Potter Family:

You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in your life

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