Monte Gene Smith

Monte Gene Smith, 84 passed away in the early morning hours of February 13, 2025, just in time to see the sunrise. He was born to Gordon Randall Smith and Melissa Mary Payne Smith in Bridgeport, Nebraska on December 9, 1940.

Monte was a bright and curious child who developed an interest in sports. In high school, Monte was a star performer in football and basketball, chosen co-captain of the football team and selected as The Girl’s Club “Pal,” as well as crowned prom King his senior year. His athleticism earned him a scholarship to Scottsbluff College, where he majored in architecture and electrical engineering, and lettered in basketball.

In May of 1960, his freshman year of college, Monte endured a major setback. At 19 years old, he was blinded in a college chemistry lab explosion. He refused to let this life-altering experience defeat or define him. Not long after he was blinded, Monte was voted student body president at the college. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to Brigham Young University and during the 1962-1963 school year, the campus co-eds voted him “Most Preferred Man.”

While in his graduate program, he met a cute and bubbly girl, Elaine Peterson, from Atlanta, Georgia who became the student secretary for him and 9 other graduate teaching assistants. They dated, fell in love and were married December 15, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple and following their wedding, Thatcher Arizona became their home as Monte began his teaching career at Eastern Arizona College. Several years after living in Thatcher, they welcomed two daughters, Stephanie and Holly.

Monte taught Sociology for 31 years at EAC until he retired in 1998. He had the opportunity to touch the lives of over 10,000 students in his impactful and meaningful career. After retirement, Monte and Elaine moved to Gilbert Arizona to be near their daughters and launched a new venture as entertainers. Monte played a carpenter saw with a violin bow, and Elaine accompanied him on the piano. They developed a unique variety show that was a mix of music, humor, and motivational speaking. They set out booking “gigs” with their stage name, “Monte Smith and His Sensational Saw.” They entertained close to home and all over the country sharing their extraordinary talent. To escape the Arizona summers, Elaine called it their “Beat the Heat Tour.” After more than 2,000 shows and Monte’s declining health, they slowed their travel and performance schedule.

Monte and Elaine shared a wonderful life together and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Monte was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many callings within the church and diligently served in any capacity where he was needed. He loved his family dearly and showed that love frequently with hugs, humor, and his playful nature.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Stephanie Lucas (Tye), daughter Holly Kreutz (Adam), his grandchildren, Zach & Jessica Lucas, Gracie Lucas, Christopher Kreutz and Kyle Kreutz, his brother Randy Smith (Renée), brother-in-law Chandler Peterson and 10 nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1010 S. Recker Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296. Visitation begins at 1:00 PM, followed by the Funeral at 2:00 PM. Special thanks to Bunker Family Funeral Home for handling the service.

Monte will be buried in the Pleasant Grove, Utah, City Cemetery on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM, under the direction of Olpin Family Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, Monte would appreciate bouquets sent to the residents at The Watermark at Morrison Ranch Assisted Living Community located at 3333 E. Morrison Ranch Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85296. He loved to regularly visit there with his great friend, Kent Sorensen, and would be so delighted to know his friends were enjoying a beautiful arrangement on his behalf.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.