Carol Jean Gregrich

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Carol Jean Gregrich, age 83. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side in her home in St. George, Utah on July 17, 2023 after suffering a massive stroke. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Earl and Ruth Groth on September 19, 1939.

Carol met her first husband, Norman Smith, in her late teen years while the two were working in Yellowstone National Park. They were married in 1959, and went on to have four children together. Carol graduated from the University of Utah and went on to teach mathematics in both Idaho and Utah. She taught at the high school level as well as the middle school level. She also pursued other educational interests while teaching and raising her family. She truly enjoyed teaching and sharing her love of mathematics.

Carol met and married her current husband John when she was 48 years old. After she retired from teaching, Carol helped John manage his business in several different capacities. They enjoyed traveling together and often visited Maui, Hawaii–Carol’s favorite vacation spot. One of the highlights of their life together was when she and John bought a property and lived on Maui part time. Carol loved being in nature; hiking, walking and running on the beach. She ran several marathons including St. George (where she won 4th place in her age group), Big Sur and Mesa. She also ran half marathons in Reno and Steamboat Springs.

Carol was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was baptized at the age of 19 by her first husband. Among the different callings she held in church, her favorite was working in the young women’s organization. Her latest calling was as a temple worker in the Ogden temple. Her membership in the church brought her much joy and comfort over the years.

Carol is survived by her husband John Gregrich, and her four children from her first marriage to Norman Smith: Wendy Lee Smith, Tracy Robin Hill, Jennifer Lynne Baker, Chad Wiley Smith. She also has four grandchildren: Jordan Ali Dyer, Christopher Zadok Dyer, Jonathan Bruce Dyer and Taylor Nicole Hill, as well as a great-grandson Axel Jade Dyer. She is also survived by her sister Julia McCormack and brother David Groth. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Ruth Groth, and her granddaughter Kirra Lee Smith, who passed away at 23 years old.

Funeral services will be in South Ogden, Utah on Saturday July 22 at the Burch Creek Chapel, 5161 South 1300    East in South Ogden. There will be a viewing at the church from 9:45-10:45 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be the following day at the Victor Cemetery in Idaho.