Juanita Mattson

Juanita Williams Smith Mattson, 63, formerly of Mountain Home, died May 10, 2008 at home, after a battle with cancer.

Friends may call to visit with the family from 10-10:45 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Curtis Rd. LDS Chapel, 701 S. Curtis Rd., Boise. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Meridian Cemetery. Bishop Terry Carney will officiate. Services are under the direction of Relyea Funeral Chapel.

Juanita was born October 30, 1944, in Rupert, to Hubert and Delores Williams. Juanita was raised by foster parents Wilfred and Edna Williams, and lived in Declo, graduating from Declo High School in 1962.

She met Hugh Burdette Smith and they were married June 12, 1966, in Rupert. They had eight children.

She also lived in Pensacola, Fla., Rupert, Burley, Mountain Home and Boise. She worked in retail and did office work over the years.

Juanita was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was active in the church and taught primary, was a visiting teacher, church librarian and Relief Society work director.

She was active in her children's activities with Scouts, band and dance team during their childhoods.

Juanita had several hobbies, including making cards, sewing, working on her genealogy, "and most of all," her family said, "loving her children and grandchildren."

Juanita married Les Mattson March 30, 1999, in Mountain Home, and later moved to Boise.

"Those around her knew Juanita as a giver, a person who could be counted on if you ever needed anything," her family said. "No matter how short or long she knew you if there was a need, she was the person who would respond. She was a shining example of selfless giving.

"Over the years she has touched many lives in a way she didn't realize. To Juanita, it was simply the way one should do things.

"Juanita was a patriotic mother who recently had three of her sons in Iraq at the same time and was so proud of them."

She is survived by: four sons and one daughter, Roy (Lori) Smith of Meridian, Amanda (Jeremy) Snoey-Holladay of Mountain Home, Lance (Georgiana) Smith of Fort Waynewright, Alaska, Arlyn (Shelly) Smith of Grand View, and Scott (Sarah) Smith of Mountain Home; 16 grandchildren; 5 stepchildren, Brian (Julie) Mattson, Valori (Joe) Luoma, Sherry (Rob) Truijilo, David Mattson and Boyd (Karma) Mattson; and two brothers, Donald Williams of Seminole, Ala., and Max Williams of Boise.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Hugh Burdette Smith; a son, Preston Lee Smith; two infants; her parents, and her foster parents.