Nellie Fern Belston Smith

Nellie Fern Belston Smith, age 101, on December 21, 2025 in Delta, Utah, passed from her earthly life and was reunited with her husband of 73 and many waiting family members. Nellie was born on September 1, 1924 in Woodrow, Utah to Wayne and Fern Elizabeth Bendixon Belston. She was the eldest of the family of 11 children.

As a young girl, she worked hard to help on the farm, as well as take charge in caring for her younger brothers and sisters. She learned to cherish everything she owned, because she grew up with very little. She developed a strong spirit of true grit. Perhaps that is why she was able to live 101 years.

She married Richard LaMond Smith on September 21, 1946 in Ely, Nevada. They began their family in Delta, where they had their first daughter: Linda Diane. They loved their time on the West Desert chasing wild mustangs, and Nellie and LaMond owned race horses and raced in Beaver and Fillmore. After a few years they moved to Tooele where Nellie worked at JC Penny’s and they had two more children: Randy LaMond and Becky Lee. She also became active in the Bit & Spur Rodeo Club, and was a 4-H leader. In 1966, the family moved to Ferron, Utah where she went back to a life on the farm. Nellie and LaMond were hardly ever apart and loved spending time together. Nellie was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Every grandchild and great grandchild received blankets, quilts and crocheted items that she lovingly crafted with her own hands. She leaves a huge void in the lives of those she loved and loved her back. It is impossible to put 101 years of a fulfilling life into a few sentences, but we know the love she provided is forever engraved into our hearts.

Nellie is survived by her daughter: Becky (Keith) Sawaya; daughter-in-law: Ila Jean Smith; brothers: Steve and Rick; and sisters: Bonnie and Jeri; 10 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 73 years: Lamond Smith; daughter: Linda; and son: Randy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, at 10:00 AM, at the Nickle Mortuary Chapel, 190 South Center, Delta. A Viewing will be held, 9:00-9:50 AM, prior to the service. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. The link will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following the conclusion of the service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.