Ethel Elizabeth Smith Krist passed away peacefully at her home in Moab, Utah, on August 6, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family. An entrepreneur and longtime resident, Krist was preceded in death by her husband, John Krist, and her daughter, Jill Krist Guynn, who died in May 2012.
Memorial and Interment Services
A memorial viewing and funeral service for Krist are scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Moab Baptist Church, located at 356 Kane Creek Blvd in Moab. The viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment for the service will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
According to a release from Spanish Valley Mortuary, family and friends are encouraged to share tributes online through the mortuary's website.
Life and Career in Moab
Born on August 8, 1931, in Kremmling, Colorado, to Earl Smith and Gladys Smith, Krist attended West Grand High School, from which she graduated in 1949. She established a career as an entrepreneur, managing multiple local businesses including P&K feed, K-Western Wear Store, and the OK RV Park.
Beyond her professional life, Krist was known for her love of reading and spending time with her family. She also found joy in spending time with horses and participating in horse showing.
Family Legacy and Survivors
Krist leaves behind a large family, including her son, Ron Krist (Shannon) of La Sal, Utah; her daughter, Joan Wilcox (Mike) of Lisbon Valley, Utah; and her son, Roy Krist (Denia) of San Tan Valley, Arizona.
Her legacy continues through 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Krist, and two of her children, Rod Krist and Jill Krist Guynn.
Historical Family Context
The family had previously navigated the loss of Jill Krist Guynn, who passed away on May 29, 2012, at her home in Moab at the age of 53. As reported by the Moab Times in 2012, Guynn was a former Rodeo Queen who loved horses and participated in various local rodeos.
Guynn, who grew up in Moab after her family moved there from Colorado in the fall of 1961, was a graduate of Grand County High School. She had worked at City Market before her health prevented her from continuing her employment. At the time of her death, she was survived by her son, Dustin Guynn; her mother, Ethel Krist; her sister, Joan Wilcox; and three brothers, Rod, Ron, and Roy Krist.
Community Tributes
Community members have shared tributes for Krist, describing her as a good woman who loved the Lord. One longtime acquaintance, who worked with Krist at Family Drug many years ago, noted that they shared connections through church and their children and grandchildren growing up together.
