Inez Searle

Inez Smith Searle Hootie Inez Smith Searle, friend and counselor to many who crossed her path in life, passed away August 4, 2010. Inez was known to many by her childhood nickname, Hootie. She was born February 6, 1922, in Donna, Texas, to Daniel Nelson and Inez Lanius Smith, who would become pioneers among Latter-day Saints in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Inez married Don Lester Searle June 19, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple November 22, 1943. Don served in the US Navy during World War II, receiving his discharge shortly after the end of the war. He died in an automobile accident on their third wedding anniversary, June 19, 1946. Inez raised their son as a single parent. In 1953, Inez left a secure civil service job to enter Brigham Young University and prepare for a career that would be more satisfying. After earning a masters degree in sociology and guidance counseling, she returned to her native South Texas to work as a high school counselor from 1959 to 1967. In the fall of 1967 she began working as dean of women at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho. She served in that position for nine years, and then eleven more years as a faculty member teaching sociology and Book of Mormon classes. She served under four college presidents: John L. Clarke, Henry B. Eyring, Bruce C. Hafen, and Joe J. Christensen. She retired from Ricks in 1987, but continued counseling others for many years afterward. Inez is survived by her son, Don Lester Searle Jr. (Marie); 5 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Josephine, and a brother, Vevie Dee. Funeral services will be Monday, August 9, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the Jordan North Stake Center, 3900 South 4000 West in West Valley City. Viewings will be held Sunday, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville and Monday at the church, 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery.