Crystal LaRee Smith Hillier passed peacefully from this life surrounded by family on December 26, 2023, at the age of 88. Crystal was born January 28, 1935, in Cedron, Idaho, a small town in Teton Valley. The snow was so deep her brothers were tasked to let the doctor know. They hitched up the dogs and rode to the home of their uncle who had horses and a light sleigh. They drove through sub-zero temperatures to Victor, picked up the doctor and arrived home just in time for Crystal to be delivered.

Crystal loved her parents, Albert Alvin Smith and Maud Ann Elizabeth Miller Smith. They, along with their nine children, homesteaded a beautiful piece of land in Henderson Canyon. This canyon became a treasured spot for Crystal throughout her life. As a young girl she spent summers helping on the ranch, roaming the hills, and picking huckleberries.

Because of many wonderful teachers, Crystal decided that she would like to teach as well. She attended Ricks College and BYU where she obtained her Elementary Education degree. "Mrs. Hillier," as her students knew her, was a master teacher and influenced many lives.

While at BYU she met David Hillier on a blind date. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1957. Crystal and David were blessed with three girls and three boys: Debra Jones (Ronald), Brenda Slaugh (Leslie), Cheryl Carstens (Monte), Stephen (Lark), Eric (Shelly), and Dale (Sherri). The family now includes 23 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren all of whom were treasured and loved by their grandmother.

The gospel was always a large part of Crystal's life. She mentioned many times the example of her parents and said, "in my home there was a constant spiritual influence." Her parents taught her the power of prayer and her fervent prayers blessed the lives of her family many times. Crystal served faithfully in various callings. She and Dave were able to serve missions in Austria, Salt Lake Temple Square, and Family History in Rexburg. They loved serving together and met many who would become lifetime friends.

Crystal loved to camp and hike, read and teach, garden and can. She was an amazing cook and was well known for the delicious bread, rolls, and doughnuts she would make and share with family, friends, and neighbors.

In 2022 her beloved David passed away and she missed him greatly. For the remaining year and a half of her life she lived with her daughter Debra and her husband Ron. As her health declined, they cared for her and made it possible for her to remain in their home. She was so appreciative for all they did for her.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 30, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mill Hollow 1st Ward building, 315 Gary Drive, Rexburg, Idaho. A viewing will be held at the chapel prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the humanitarian fund, missionary fund, or perpetual education fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Service will be broadcasted at: https://my.gather.app/remember/crystal-hillier