Jean McArthur Smith,94, formerly of Idaho Falls, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in St. Anthony.

Jean was born on March 19, 1926, in St. Anthony, Idaho to Danford and Myrtle Birch McArthur. She grew up in St. Anthony and graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1944.

On March 16, 1946, she married her sweetheart, Merrell C. Smith, in Rexburg, Idaho. To this union, two sons were born.

They spent their first year of marriage in Burbank, California where Jean worked at a bank while Merrell attended aircraft mechanic school. They moved back to St. Anthony for a brief time before moving to Idaho Falls. When her boys were old enough, she worked as a bookkeeper at the Bonneville Hotel, when it was THE place to stay.

Jean was the gatekeeper of the backyard swimming pool, posting the No/Yes and what time for all the neighborhood kids. She volunteered countless hours researching genealogy records, one day a week for many years.

After Merrell passed away on August 4, 2006, Jean sold the house with the swimming pool and lived in Ammon for a few years. In her last year, she returned to St Anthony.

While Merrell served in the Jaycees (Jr. Chamber of Commerce) Jean was a member of the Jaycee-ettes and campaigned with Merrell for State Jaycee President all around Idaho.

She enjoyed reading, crossword, and jigsaw puzzles. Most summer weekends were spent at their cabin in Island Park.  Jean was able to take several cruises with Merrell to many parts of the world.

She is survived by her sons: Steven (Susan) Smith of Chester, Idaho and David (Karen) Smith of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Danford and Myrtle McArthur; and her siblings: Merlin, Gregg, and Jacque.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., August 3, 2020, at the Wilford Cemetery. Cremation is under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com .