Marcia Gay Smith Garner, 90, of Genola, Utah, passed away on November 3rd in the home of her daughter.

Gay was born on May 27, 1936, in Genola, Utah, to William Morris Smith and Davida May Hardy. She spent most of her life in the community she loved and was deeply rooted in her family and her faith.

Gay married Frank Garner on September 6, 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple. At the time, Frank was serving in the United States Air Force. Their early married life took them to Germany, where they lived for two years. They later lived in Rome, New York, and Bear River City, Utah, before returning to Genola, where they made their home and raised their family.

As a child and young woman, Gay was active in 4-H, earning numerous awards for her skills and accomplishments, including the opportunity to travel to Chicago for national competitions. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Family Science and Home Economics and taught first grade for a couple of years at Santaquin elementary.

Gay was a gifted musician, talented seamstress, and accomplished quilter. She taught piano lessons for 60 plus years and was frequently asked to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists. She also had a beautiful alto voice and toured for many years with the Payson Civic Choral. Her quilts, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and other handiwork reflected her remarkable creativity and skill. One of her quilts won the grand prize at the Utah State Fair.

Family traditions were especially dear to Gay. She learned to make Obstkuchen, a German fruit cake, while living in Germany, and it became a treasured tradition at family gatherings. Her children and grandchildren also remember picking raspberries from the large patch she lovingly tended.

Gay served faithfully in many Church callings, including the Stake Primary Presidency and Relief Society. She also frequently served as ward organist or choir director. She loved reading, especially the scriptures, and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Throughout her life, she sought to follow His teachings and example.

Gay and Frank opened their home to exchange students from around the world and welcomed those who needed a place to stay. Gay was known for her keen wit, sharp mind, and generous spirit. Her warmth and hospitality made others feel welcome, and her humor brought laughter to those around her.

Gay was preceded in death by her parents, William Morris Smith, and Davida May Hardy; her husband, Frank LaThair Garner; her brother, "Bob" Davidson; two grandchildren, Celia Muhlestein and Alexander Casper; and a great-grandchild, Nolan Drake.

She is survived by her children, Wade Garner (Melanie), Gayle Garner, Brent Garner (Carla), Teresa Casper (Keith), Trina Williamson (Bob), and Marcene Perry (Shane); 33 grandchildren; and 56 great-grandchildren.

There will be a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 50 North Main Street in Genola, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 at the church. There will also be visitation on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also at the church. Interment will be in Santaquin City Cemetery, 100 East 300 South, Santaquin, Utah.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gary Garner, Nurse Bonnie Ballard Valdez, Marcie Braithwait, and all the medical professionals who have cared for Gay over the past several years. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, kindness, dedication, and the care they provided throughout her journey. Their support has meant so much to Gay and to our family, and we will always remember it with gratitude.

Gay's love of music, family, faith, and service will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind.