Alma Smith Young was born on Oct. 2, 1931, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Joseph Alma Smith and Barbara Myrl Abplanalp. She was their fifth child following William Rowe, Deon, Carl Gene and Howard John. A baby sister Barbara Myrl was born after Alma. Both of her sisters passed away at early ages, so Alma was raised as an only girl with three protective brothers and doting parents.
She was raised on a small farm at the edge of a small lake called Lake Borum in Duchesne County. She graduated as valedictorian of her senior class in 1950. She married Lawrence Allen Young on June 9, 1950, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Mt. Emmons for 22 years where they milked cows, farmed and had six children.
In 1972, they had the opportunity to buy into a business (the Bumbleberry) in Springdale, Utah, with Alma’s three brothers. After a couple of years, the business was divided with Lawrence and Alma taking the Zion Park Market and Zion Park Motel which they successfully operated for the next 50 years. They were blessed with another daughter after moving to Springdale. Alma kept busy working in the business until two months before her passing at 92 years young. The last few years, she loved to sit in her office and watch the people come and go.
She had many church callings including Relief Society President twice (once in Altamont and once in Springdale); Counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency; Young Women President, Primary President, Sunday School teacher, and Ward Activities Director. She organized many fundraisers to build new church buildings. After Lawrence passed, Alma was a temple worker for 12 years developing many wonderful friendships.
She was on the community fire board and served on the Utah Arts Council representing Springdale and Zion National Park.
Alma is survived by her seven children: Ann Stevenson, Altamont; Gary (Karlene) Young, Toquerville; Karolee Dennett, Springdale; Myrlene (Byron) Stansfield, Springdale; Marc Young, Springdale; Lyle (Kristine) Young, Springdale; Misty (Benjamin) Allred, St. George. She was proceeded in death by her husband Lawrence Young; her parents Joseph Alma and Barbara Myrl Smith; brothers Rowe, Carl, and Howard; sisters Deon and Barbara; sons-in-law Nick Stevenson and Don Dennett; grandson Jason Young; great-granddaughter Jesse Helms; and great-great-grandchildren Kaylee Green and Riley Angel.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1584 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, Utah. Viewings will be Friday night from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 at the same location. Click here to live stream funeral services via Zoom — meeting ID: 965 2087 2581; passcode: 078111.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Zion’s Way Hospice for the compassionate care given to their mother during the last few months of her life.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.