Coila Mae Smith, age 86, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 21, 2016.
She was born to J.B. and Olive (Chilcoat) Smith on May 17, 1930 in White River, South Dakota.
As a young child her family moved to Terraville, South Dakota where Coila loved growing up. She always talked about the sledding and walking through the mountain tunnel to go to school in Lead. When Coila was a teenager, her family moved to Spearfish where her dad became a Registrar at Black Hills State University. Coila graduated in 1949 from Black Hills Teacher’s College in Spearfish, South Dakota, and moved to Broadus, MT in 1950 where she taught high school business and Spanish, among other subjects.
Coila met Kenneth Smith at a Broadus dance where she was taking tickets. They visited and spent the rest of the evening together and this was the beginning of their lifelong love. At the time, Kenneth was in the service and stationed in New Jersey. He took leave from the service and came back to marry Coila on September 18th, 1951. Afterward, they both returned to New Jersey, and then Ken transferred to Atlanta, Georgia. While there, Coila gave birth to their first son, Gene in 1953. Three months later, they returned to the family ranch at Olive, Montana. They lived in a trailer house for 2 years until 1955, at which point Coila became pregnant with Cheri. With their growing family, they built a new house. They lived next to Ken’s parents Carl and Inez. Coila enjoyed spending time with them. Their son, Terry was born in 1960 and daughter, Annette was born in 1962. Coila spent her life helping Ken with the ranch and she enjoyed doing it for 65 years. Coila taught in Broadus from 1967 – 1975, and then taught at Hammond from 1984-1990. Coila was also member of the Eastern Star and served as an advisor for the Rainbow Girls.
Once their children had grown, Coila and Ken took the chance to explore the world. Among other places, they traveled around the United States, Canada, Greece, Mexico, Hawaii, Ireland, and Alaska. They often visited these places with family and friends.
Coila’s grandchildren were one of her greatest joys. She supported her grandchildren in all of their endeavors and loved to visit with them. Her pets also held a special place in her heart; she was especially fond of “Smokey.”
Coila is survived by her husband Ken of Olive, brother Robert, wife Katherine, and sons Jennings and Steve Smith of Ohio; son Eugene, wife Diane, and children Jessica (Grant) Smith, Samantha Jo (Logan) Perreault, and Jake Smith; son Terry, wife Kebi, and children Justin (Megan) and Kelsey Smith of Olive; daughter Cheri Collins and family Chris Collins, Michelle (Justin), and great grandson Everett Gaudette of Evanston, Wyoming; and daughter Annette and husband Chuck Keller, family Amanda (Andrew) Emmel, Kayla Kircher and Chris (Lacey) and children Caden and Taya, Eric (Melissa) and children Mason and Nolan, and Alex Keller of Minot, North Dakota. Coila was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Bryan.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
If desired, memorials may be made in Coila’s behalf to the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 25, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 26, 2016
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 25, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 26, 2016
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Cindy Burris says
Many memories of Coila through neighborhood,4-H, Rainbow Girls, and church activities. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary and Mona Johnson says
Many wonderful and great memories of Coila and our life at Olive. She was a second mom to me. I will miss her. Prayers for her family.
Dora Meidinger-Huckins says
What a wonderful lady, mentor and friend whom I always admired and adored. She opened her home to many fun times, filled with tons of joy and laughter, and even instigated a few pranks here and there! Coila, Ken and our families have shared wonderful times, and I am so thankful for each and every special moment and memory…..God chose a lovely lady to wear angel wings for us! Love you, Coila.
Carolyn Heidel Johnson says
Coila was a part of my “growing-up.” Loved her laugh and bright outlook on the world. She made such a difference in so many lives. I’m glad she touched my life! Thoughts and prayers with all her family and friends.
Bill and Dina Gay says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Coila will be missed.
Cali Baker says
Smith Family,
So many of my early childhood memories when we first moved to Broadus had Coila in them, she was an extra grandma. And, years later she was always so supportive of musical endeavors or anything with the community. I know I am a better person for having known her.
Please accept my condolences.
Julie Kay Emmons says
Smith Family,
The memories I have from growing up at Olive are so many and Coila was a GREAT part of them. Growing up with Annette and Terry and having Coila and family as friends is something I will treasure. Condolences to all of you. May your memories offer you comfort in the coming days…..
Fay and Steve Alexander says
Our hearts are saddened by the news of your mother’s passing. May your memories wrap you in her love and may God Bless you in your time of healing.
Darlene (Flanigan) Songer says
Had great respect for this woman. Prayers of comfort and peace to the family.
Terri Yonkee Harris says
To Coila’s family, she was a blessing in her own special way to so many. My favorite memory of Coila is when she hired me (actually my mother set it up) to help her clean house. My main job was to do all the vacuuming weekly. I always knew when a certain relative was going to be arriving (I think it was Coila’s mom) because a certain rather “interesting”, to put it bluntly – tacky – ash tray on a pedestal would come out of the woodwork and be placed in the living room. That to me spoke volumes to me later on in life – Coila was being gracious to the giver of the gift. She was a great friend and mentor to my mom, especially when my mom went back to school to become a teacher and as my mom started her teaching career. In Christ’s Love, Terri Yonkee Harris
Melody Hanzlik says
Ahhhh, Mrs. Smith, my third grade teacher,
I have such nice memories of you as one of my teachers. Thank you to all you did for me — and all of my classmates. May you rest in peace. God bless your family at this time.
Melody (Wetherelt) Hanzlik
Mary Smith Roig says
There are not enough words to express the memories of my Aunt Coila. From my memories of myself as a child playing and staying at their house, picnics, camping, 4 H trips, 4 H activities, school activities, holidays, visitors from uncle Ken and Aunt Coila visiting in Arizona when my kids were young, weddings, church, family feasts, Rainbiw Girls . I don’t ever recall her not loving others . She had a heart of gold and gifts from God that she used abundantly to serve God..I will always remember a year ago staying at their house while she was recovering from m knee surgery .Uncle Ken , Aunt Coila , Terry and Smokey and Kitty had wonderful memories for me and when the rest of the family were there.I will miss her terribly but I know God has a place for her in heaven.. I love you , Aunt Coila and I’m thankful for your unconditional love.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Smith family. Coila was not only a teacher to a great many of us she was a friend who stuck by you and in your heart for life. She gave selflessly of herself not only from teaching, Rainbow girls, 4-H, but reached out to others as well. Her laugh and sense of humor was infectious as well. I remember one afternoon after school I had to stay in town because my mother had a fairboard meeting later on that evening. We met up with Coila and the kids at the store. Since Ken was also on the fairboard,(and I could catch a ride with back to town later that evening) Coila generously invited me to come spend the time out their ranch. What a fun afternoon! I will never forget that day, meeting her wonderful family, and witnessing a side splitting exchange between two neighbor girls. I could write a book on my experiences with Coila, and I ‘m sure others could, also. Most recently, I met up Coila when she, Ken and Cora came to visit an aunt I was helping care for in a nursing facility in Sheridan. Hugs, and delightful laughter were exchanged that afternoon. A few months later, we exchanged hugs and tears when the aunt passed away. Coila was another one I gladly say who also had a heart of gold. May you rest in peace, Coila. May God Bless and comfort all of you.
Bob and Blanche Brooks says
A fun friend and traveling companion. We will miss her.
Jim Sampson says
My memories of Coila include cub scout meetings out at Olive and many Smith/Sampson family camping trips with Coila driving.
Glen Burton says
Farewell old friend (step sister ). Thanks for all the good times and past favors. You will be missed and treasured in memory.
Glen
Walter/ArLynn Archer says
Ken, the children, spouses and grandchildren-
What a shock to lose Coila a great neighbor. Will miss her visits, laugh and the special place in her heart for her ‘dogs’.
Deepest sympathy to all
Ted Watson says
My family and I have lots of great memories of Coila and our time with the Smiths out on the ranch. I’ll never forget her laugh and how much fun she was. Wish I could be there and that my young daughters could have met Coila- she was one of a kind.
Floyd Huckins says
The world is a better place because of Coila. She made everyone around her happy. My thoughts are with you all.
Floyd Huckins
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Smith family.
Laurie Claypool says
To all of Coila’s families, I send my deepest sympathy! Her laughter, her stories, and her smile were present at Rainbow, 4-H, and sporting/music events! I recently visited with her at a 90th birthday party and we had a great time! Thinking of all of you at this difficult time! God bless you all!
Rick Clemes says
Ken, Gene and Cheri, sorry to hear about your wife and mother. May God be with you during this time.
Bonnie Bogner Sprague says
Sorry for your loss of dear Coila! She was wonderful to know. I got to know her more through her visits at Angie’s Beauty Shop over the years when I was around! Another beautiful angel in heaven. Sending love and prayers to all in her family! Also including this for my Mom, Angie as well, for she so enjoyed Coila!
Peggy Emmons says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Coila’s family. Coila was truly one of a kind. She was always involved in all of our 4-H and school activities, and she was always so positive and supportive to everyone around her. Her smile and laugh always brightened my day. Condolences to all of the Smith family.
Ted and Cathy Elgin says
Condolences to all the Smith family. I had just visited with your Mom as I was visiting with my Mom. We will be thinking of all of you.