16 Aug 1925 – 24 Jan 2014
2nd Great-Granddaughter of Philip Cardon and Martha Marie Tourn
Great-Granddaughter of Louis Philip Cardon and Susette Stalé
Granddaughter of Joseph Samuel Cardon and Rhoda Ann McClellan
Daughter of Genevieve Cardon and James Francis Pace
Rhoda Fern (Pace) Smith Anderson passed away peacefully in her sleep at Dorsett Health Care Center in Spearfish, SD on Friday, January 24, 2014. She was born in El Paso, Texas on August 16, 1925 to James Francis and Genevieve (Cardon) Pace.
Fern married Laurence A. Smith on July 31, 1942, in Virden, NM, and later lived briefly in Duncan, AZ. In the early 1950’s, they moved to a ranch they bought in western SD. While spending the winter months in Belle Fourche, SD, Laurence began his career with U&I Sugar Company. Fern kept busy raising her four children, being active in the LDS church, and organizing the many moves she made with her husband during his career: Newell, SD, Vermillion, SD, Moses Lake, WA, Vancouver, WA, Murray, UT, and Tremonton, UT. Fern married Kenneth H. Anderson on April 23, 1993, and had many happy years together in Spearfish, SD. They traveled often to visit family throughout the west, southwest, and northwest. They had many good friends and enjoyed their weekly trips to Deadwood, SD.
Fern is survived by her children Laurence H. Smith (Anita); Diane Hodson (Dennis); Jeanette Butherus (Bill); and Pamela Kaye Harrison (Kent). She is also survived by five step-sons: Gary Anderson (Mary); Steve Anderson (Delisa); Randy Anderson (Brenda); Brad Anderson (Sherry); and Scott Anderson (Leticia). She has one surviving brother, William C. Pace (Kaye), one sister-in-law, Agnes Mae Pace, 13 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Laurence, her second husband Ken, her brother James Grant Pace, and her grandchild Jill Butherus and her nephew Brad Pace.
Fern loved music and dancing. She was an excellent piano player, and she could light up a room wherever she went. However, Fern’s greatest legacy was her devotion to her children. Family always came first with Fern. She left a lasting legacy of love with her children. No sacrifice was ever too great to help them. Her listening ear, laughter, and support will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 3, 2014, at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S. Main Street, in Spanish Fork, UT. Viewing prior to services from 9:45 – 10:45 AM; Funeral to follow from 11 – 12 PM. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.