ANTIMONY — Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ellen Valeria Smith King, returned with honor 14 days before her 96th birthday to her heavenly home and into the arms of her sweetheart, Eugene, and many members of her eternal family Feb. 12, 2023, in Monroe. Valeria was born Feb. 26, 1927, in Circleville. She was the first born to Lionel Earl and Reva Fullmer Smith, followed by her three brothers, David, Connell, and Bruce.
Valeria graduated from Piute High School in 1945. She attended and graduated from beauty school in Salt Lake City.
After World War II ended, she married the love of her life, Eugene King, June 14, 1946, in Circleville. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti temple March 22, 1960. He preceded her in death June 26, 2005.
Valeria and Eugene raised their ten children in Antimony. The boys learned how to work hard on the farm, and the girls were taught lifetime homemaking skills by working with their mother in the home. All the children learned how to give selfless service to neighbors and ward members.
Valeria faithfully served in many stake and ward callings, but her favorite calling was serving in the St. George temple with Eugene for over ten years.
Valeria is survived by her children, Lana (David) Ogden, Richfield; Tom King, Antimony; Bruce (Valene) King, Axtell; Mark (Lisa) King, Monroe; Claudia (Randy) Farmer, Annabella; Julia (Brad) Camp, Bismark, North Dakota; Susan (Mike) Peterson, Provo; Polly (Karl) Weenig, Orem; Ron (Lori) King, Central Valley; and Heidi (Shawn) Sederholm, Rogers, Arkansas; foster son, Burton Damon, Ramona, California; 53 grandchildren, 108 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Marlynn Smith, Cedar City; Rachel Smith, Circleville; and Sheren Kimball, Camarillo, California.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David “Buzz” (Eloise) Smith, Connell Smith, and Bruce Smith; daughter-in-law, Ireta Howes King; grandsons, Thomas Kade King, Baby Boy King, Karson Peterson; great-granddaughter, Kycie Terry; and great-grandson, Gavin Nielson.
Special thanks to the Monroe Canyon Assisted Living staff and Zion’s Way Hospice care givers for their expert caring and concern.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at noon in the Circleville ward chapel. Friends may call Friday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield or Saturday morning at the ward chapel in Circleville from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Antimony Cemetery.
Funeral directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
Online guestbook at maglebymortuary.com.
