Dennis Edward Smith

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.