Gail Smith

Aileen Gail Morgan Abel Smith, 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Gail was born on April 26, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to parents Leila Johnston and Gaylord Morgan, who later divorced. In 1930, Gail and her mother met Francis B. Abel, and both fell in love with him and were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25th, 1930. They lived in American Fork, Utah, where Gail grew up and graduated from American Fork High School. 

Gail knew Merrett T Smith all the time they were growing up, but it wasn't until High School when they started working on the yearbook that they realized they belonged together. They were married in San Diego, CA July 19th, 1944, after she'd turned 18 and Merrett had finished basic training for his Naval service during World War II. They spent their first few years of marriage living on the Naval base in San Diego before returning to Utah.

Throughout their entire marriage, Gail helped Merrett in their own portrait photography business, most notably located in Century City, CA. While the portraits were all signed "Merrett," every picture was colored, retouched, and perfected by Gail. In her own words, she said, "Some years we worked 20 hours a day, perfecting each and every picture." Their customers included U.S. Presidents, Prophets, Families, and many movie stars. 

However, Gail would never consider their photography business her greatest accomplishment. Her real joy in life was her children and family, with her favorite days including those when her family got together, and the kids' friends gathered at her house in Bountiful or Los Angeles. Even in her later years, a "good" day included visits or phone calls from her family. 

Gail had a strong testimony of God's Plan and treasured her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had many callings in the church, including Primary President, Relief Society Counselor, Primary Chorister, and enjoyed being a temple worker for many years. She served others gratefully and set a loving example for her family.

Gail was proud to be an American and loved and prayed daily for our country. 

She also loved music and had the unique talent of being able to play the piano by ear. If she could hum it, she could play it. She loved to do puzzles and play games, and could add figures in her head faster than anyone else, even as a 99-year-old!

Ever mindful of her blessings, Gail felt like the Savior kept watch over her family and loved ones. From oldest to youngest, the Smith family includes Theresa McArthur (Gregg), Joy Howard (Jerry), Kathy Ash, Jerry Smith (Barbara), Sue Sullivan, Sandra Webster (Mark), Richard Smith (Linda [deceased]; Julie). Gail was preceded in death by her husband Merrett, her 2 daughters Theresa and Kathy, and her daughter-in-law Linda. She loved her posterity of 7 children, 39 grandchildren, 89 great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-grandchildren - for a grand total of 172 direct descendants, plus spouses!

 She was truly grateful for life and "felt wealthy in every way that mattered."

If you would like to participate in Gail's services via live stream, please click the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/R_G6-4hCJ0w