Kim Moana Kohkonen Smith

Kim Moana returned home to her Heavenly Father while surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer on January 13, 2026.

Kim was born in Provo, Utah, to Kent E Kohkonen and Rona Taruna (Riki) Kohkonen and grew up with a strong foundation of faith and family. She graduated from Mountain View High School and pursued her passion for helping others by attending Brigham Young University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She dedicated part of her early life to service, completing a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Japan Tokyo North Mission. In December 1989, she was married and sealed to her loving husband, Larry Smith, in the Salt Lake City Temple—a union that became a great foundation of her life.

Throughout her life, Kim exemplified unwavering dedication, care, and compassion, both at home and in her professional endeavors. She was a nurturing and loving presence within her family and a steadfast partner to her husband. As a mother of five, she poured her heart into raising her children with strength, patience, and perseverance, always prioritizing their well-being. She later became a cherished grandmother, finding great joy, delighting in every moment spent in supporting and celebrating her five beautiful grandchildren and her expanding family circle.

Kim worked as a registered nurse and managed assisted living communities. She was renowned for enhancing the quality, organization, and functionality of the facilities under her care. She had a unique ability to guide families through some of life’s most challenging transitions, providing clarity, compassion, and reassurance as their loved ones approached their final years. Even amid difficult circumstances, Kim infused her workplaces with laughter and warmth, lightening the emotional weight of her work, easing burdens, and creating a sense of comfort for colleagues and residents alike.

Kim will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her influence and impact cannot be replaced, and the care, dedication, and compassion she gave so freely were uniquely her own. Blessed with a rare talent for service, she left an indelible mark on the world. Yet above all, her greatest legacy is the boundless love she held for her family—a love that will continue to inspire and unite them.

Kim is survived by her husband, Larry; her children Anthony (Nicole), Nicholas (Savannah), Spencer, Julia (Brandon), and Landon; and her five cherished grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Rona; her sisters Pauliina, Anneli, Lani Mia, Caroline, and Kristiina; and many other family members and friends who will greatly miss her calming presence.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kent E Kohkonen, “Papa K.” Oh, what peace and comfort the knowledge of that reunion has brought to our hearts.

A viewing will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street in Bountiful, Utah. An additional viewing will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1461 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah 84014, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral services at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive in Bountiful, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.