Rebecca Louise “Sunny” Smith, age 72, passed away on August 3, 2023 at St. George Regional Hospital. She was born on July 8, 1951 in Long Beach, California to William Sooy Smith, Jr. And Velma Belle Stelzriede Smith. After leaving high school, she lived in San Francisco, Reno and Las Vegas; working as a bartender. Sunny was very personable and deeply enjoyed meeting and learning about new people. She had a great mind for retaining information, especially when it came to her favorite subject - football. She knew everything about her beloved 49'ers, but could also present you with a authoritative opinion about your favorite team’s chances of making the playoffs, or the quality of the new crop of draft prospects.
Eventually she met the love of her life. She met Darrell Linn Bates in Fallon, Nevada in 1994. They spent the next 29 wonderful years together. They enjoyed many activities together, especially bowling. Sunny especially loved her dogs. They were adored and treated like her children.
Rebecca is survived by her beloved companion: Darrell Bates, Mesquite, Nevada.
A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary, Delta. A Graveside Ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 10, at 11:00 am, at the Bates Family Cemetery in Gandy, Utah. Online condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com