Marganna “Dawn” Smith

Marganna Dawn Smith, known lovingly as “Dawn” to most who knew her, 54, passed away on March 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on December 11, 1971, in Rockford, Illinois, to Deborah Bishop and Gary Smith, Dawn moved to Utah at the age of five and grew up in Millcreek, where she planted the roots that carried her through the rest of her life.

In high school, she met the love of her life, her sweetheart, Jason Smith. Together they welcomed two beautiful children, Hilarie and Jaxon. Though life led them down separate paths for a time, love found its way back to them, and they were able to spend the remainder of her life together — a testament to a bond that never truly faded.

Dawn’s greatest joy in life was her family, and her most treasured role was being “Gigi.” Her grandchildren — Cash, Scarlette, and Jayne — were the light of her world. Being their Gigi was her favorite title, and she wore it with pride, love, and endless devotion.

She loved cooking for those she cared about, gathering everyone around the table and playing card games and dominoes with family and friends. She found comfort in her favorite drama reality shows and especially enjoyed game days — proudly putting on her Packers gear, settling into her favorite chair with her Green Bay blanket, and cheering them on with excitement and loyalty every game day. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and reading. She had a lifelong love of bowling that began at a young age while spending time at her grandparents’ bowling alley in Belvedere, Illinois — a place filled with memories that stayed with her throughout her life.

Dawn had an infectious smile and laugh that could light up any room. Her warmth, humor, and loving spirit drew people in and made them feel at home. She had a way of making life feel lighter just by being in it.

She is survived by her partner, Jason Smith; her children, Hilarie Holloway (Chaz) and Jaxon Smith (Kyleigh); her beloved grandchildren, Cash Holloway (5), Scarlette Holloway (2), and Jayne Smith (1); her mother, Deborah Bishop; her father, Steve Mitckes; her biological father, Gary Smith; her sister, Tina Smith; her mother-in-law, Judie Smith; her father-in-law, Leeland Smith; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Dawn’s love, laughter, and light will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit remains in every family gathering, every shared meal, every crossword puzzle, every game played around the table, and every strike rolled down a bowling lane. She will forever be our sweetheart, our mother, and our Gigi.

A celebration of Dawn’s life will take place this summer. The family will share the date and details as they are finalized.