On September 24th, 2026, our beautiful Mom, Marla Irene Smith Rawlings, gained her angel wings at the sweet young age of 61. Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort in knowing that she is finally free from the suffering of Alzheimer’s disease.

Marla was born on December 17th, 1964, to Gordon A. Smith and Doris F. Smith. On September 24th, 2026, she was welcomed back into the loving arms of her parents, where we know she was greeted with the same love that surrounded her throughout her life.

Marla graduated from Bear River High School in 1983, where she was active in the student council, the swim team, track, ski club, spirit squad, and pretty much anything and everything that was fun. She loved being involved, trying new things, and making the most of life.

Marla met Jeff Rawlings in 1985, and they fell in love and married in 1987. Although their forever-after didn’t last, one wonderful thing that came from their union was their three incredible children. Denver Jeffrey, Logan Joseph, and Madison “Maddie” Irene. Her children all feel blessed to know just how deeply Marla loved and adored each of them.

Family was always Marla’s number one priority. Nobody messed with her family, or there would be hell to pay. She loved her family fiercely, and would do absolutely anything she could to make sure they were safe, happy, and loved. Her love was unconditional, and everyone could feel it.

Marla always said she “never worked a day in her life, because she had fun jobs”. She excelled at everything she did. Of all her adventures, her kids think one of her favorites was being a ski bum. There wasn’t a mountain she hadn’t skied. She was part of Ski Utah, and spent countless days enjoying the slopes at resorts throughout Utah.

A few years ago, on her first ski trip after an injury to her leg, Marla was devastated when the doctor told her she would never ski again. Her response was essentially “I’ll show that bastard”, and of course, she did. She got back on those skis and proved that doctor wrong. That was Marla. Determined, stubborn, fearless, and never one to let someone else tell her what she could or couldn’t do.

Marla had so many talents and passions. She was a floral designer, artist, crafter, ski instructor, author, and realtor. She received numerous awards for her floral designs and paintings, and many brides were fortunate enough to carry the beauty she created on their wedding days. She had a gift for creating beautiful things and making people feel special.

Marla was also an avid cyclist, and looked forward to the Little Red Ride every year. She was the author of several cookbooks, including the Camp Chef Outdoor Cooking Guide. Her kids were her official taste testers for all of the recipes she created. She loved to cook, and she never disappointed them with one of her meals.

Marla especially loved to cook and entertain for family and friends, often serving up her famous “Marla Drinks”. She took great pleasure in tipping people upside down with her unforgettable concoctions. There was always laughter, good food, and a story to tell whenever Marla was around.

The great outdoors were a big love in Marla’s life. Especially Island Park, Yellowstone, and spending time at her property in Idaho. She loved to travel and explore new places. One of her favorite destinations was Thailand, where she fell completely in love with the elephants.

She loved life and everything about it. Marla truly was one of the kindest souls God ever created. She always encouraged people to “Live life to the fullest and love every minute of it”, and she did her very best to live by those words.

One of Marla’s greatest dreams was to become a grandma. That dream came true two and a half years ago not once, but twice. When Kase and Lola came into her life, a sparkle returned to her eyes. She absolutely adored her grandbabies, and they loved their grandma right back. She treasured every moment she could spend with them, and they brought her a special kind of happiness that was impossible to miss.

She lived life with a smile on her face. That beautiful smile that could light up a room, and will be forever missed.

Marla was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, a niece, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She leaves behind her children Denver, Logan (Stephanie), and Maddie (Bryce Sulser), as well as her beloved grandchildren, Kase Alden Sulser, Lola Irene Rawlings, and a new grandbaby, Baby Sulser, arriving in April 2027. Marla would have been absolutely thrilled to meet this little one.

Marla is also survived by her siblings, Gordon Claine and Cheri Smith, Diana and Norman Coleman, Jana and Blake Southwick, Laura and Rob Nutt, and Marlan and Denise Smith, along with many nieces and nephews who absolutely adored their Aunt Marla.

Her family is incredibly grateful to Aspen Alcove and their staff, especially Sandra who was above and beyond, her amazing doctor Amy Fowers, her hospice nurse Jadee, and hospice aid Kami, for showing Marla the love, kindness, and compassion she so deserved during the last three years of her life. Thank you for caring for her and loving her as much as her family did.

Marla would want us to celebrate her life rather than simply mourn her passing, so we will remember her the way she lived. With a smile, a little mischief, a lot of love, and an appetite for adventure.

Marla’s motto in life says it best:

“Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’”

A message from Marla’s children:

Mom, you certainly lived that ride.

You were a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, artist, adventurer, cook, creator, skier, cyclist, and so much more. Most of all, you were our mom, and we were so incredibly lucky to have you.

We will miss your beautiful smile, your laughter, your stubborn determination, your stories, your cooking, your adventures, and most of all, your love.

Until we meet again, mom. We love you more than words could ever say.

At Marla’s request, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be spread in the places she loved most. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 16th, 11:00am-1:30pm at Warehouse 22 Event Center. 1068 W 350 S Ste A, Syracuse UT, 84075.