Nelia Gay Smith Luthy, 73 of Rexburg, died Monday, July 30, 2012 at her home in Archer. She was born March 20,1039 to Robert Lee Smith and Ina Grace Soelberg Smith, the third of nine children.

Nelia was raised in Shelley, Idaho on her parent's farm where she developed a strong work ethic. She attended Ricks College where she met her husband, Billy Ray Luthy. On March 27,1959 they were married in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. They started their married life in Ririe, Idaho, and later moved to Archer where they raised their four sons and on their family farm.

Nelia devoted her life to raising her family and caring for her home and garden. She was a talented seamstress, and sewed all the clothing for her family as well as numerous quilts for her children and grandchildren. Nelia grew a lovely garden and raspberry patch and took pride in the food she canned and preserved.

Nelia's home was always welcome to friends and family. It was a favorite summer vacation place for nieces, nephews, and grandchildren where they enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides, eating fresh raspberries, camping on the dry farm and playing in the water on the flooded lawn.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings throughout her life. Nelia was a wonderful example of faith and courage. She was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

Nelia was preceded in death by her husband , Billy, three brothers, Arial, Lowell and Weldon Smith and her parents.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin (Kim) Luthy of St. George, Utah; Brent (Beverly) Luthy of Rexburg, Idaho; Byron (Elaine) Luthy of Rexburg, Kerry (Kendra) Luthy of Honeyville, Utah; 21 grandchildren, one great grandchild; brothers, Jennings (Auria) Smith of West Jordan, Utah; Martel (Linda) Smith of Shelley, Idaho; Doug (Debbie) Smith of Rexburg; sisters Lelna Christensen of Saratoga Springs, Utah; and Faye (Steve) Fullmer of West Valley, Utah.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 4, 2012 at the Archer LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from 10: to 10:45 a.m at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Sutton Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.flammfh.com.