Alma Carthel Smith, 66, of Sturgis, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home, following a short illness, on April 13, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.
Alma was born on February 17, 1957, in Butte, Montana to Harold “Bud” and Joanne (Kuykendall) Eatherton. At the time she joined siblings, Linda and Glenda and, later on, Bobby, Billy, Pat, Alta, Tina, Galen, and CJ (Junior) came along. The growing family moved from Montana to St. Onge, SD.
Alma met and married Pat Yauney in New Castle, WY. To this union two wonderful daughters were born, Kristina and Kandice. Working for the railroad the two moved a few times and eventually moved to Miles City, MT. While in Miles City Alma and Pat divorced. Alma married Jerry Smith in June 1990. Jerry and his two sons, Tim and Ryan, joined Alma and the girls to make a wonderful family for 33 years.
Alma worked at the Hole-in-the-Wall for Butch and Gloria Grenz, and at Shores in Miles City, for several years until she purchased the Frame Gallery from Linda Adams. Alma created hundreds of beautiful framed pictures over the years and made friends with many of her customers.
Then the grandchildren started arriving; Kelci, Lexi, Carly, Ali, Kadrie, Jacob, Parker, Landen, and on her birthday this year her first great grandchild was born, Sawyer. Alma sold the Frame Shop and became a full-time Grandma! Being a Grandma was Alma’s life calling; she loved each and every grandchild with all her heart.
Alma is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Pat, Bobby, Billy, and Galen; and nephew. Cody.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry; children, Kristina Yauney, Mandan, ND, Kandice (Steve) Ruud, Seattle, WA, Tim Smith, Gilbert, AZ, Ryan (Kari) Smith, Billings, MT, her grandchildren, and great grandchild; sisters, Linda (Terry) Bruce, Gillette, WY, Glenda (Clarence) Hedgecoth, Pikeville, TN, Tina Humble, Gillette, WY, Alta (Jim) Bainer, New Castle, WY, and CJ Humble, New Castle, WY.
Alma’s warmth and kindness reached so many; her love for family and friends was unmatched. She had the best sense of humor and truly cared about everyone individually. She was the best wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend you could ever want.
She will be greatly missed by all, but her love will carry on in those that knew her.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD. Graveside services will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood.
Condolences may be sent o the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 18, 2023
Kinkade Funeral Chapel
Sturgis, South Dakota
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 18, 2023
Kinkade Funeral Chapel
Sturgis, South Dakota
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Carolyn Kimball says
My condolences to Alma’s family. Her beautiful and kind persona brought joy to all who were fortunate to share her space!
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Kurt Seward says
Jerry and family I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for the family.
Denise Harvey says
I am so very sorry for your loss. A precious lady has left a wonderful legacy and will be a fierce guardian angel for all of you.
Take care and May God Bless,
Denise Harvey
Deb Jerrel says
I met this sweet Gem of a woman way back in the late’80s. It was such a joy running into her and visiting with her throughout the years. We used to laugh about a lot of crazy things we did. My deepest condolences to her family. She was one of a kind. Rip Alma💜💜💜
Bernadette Miller says
Alma was a wonderful person. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
Kelli Rooney says
Thoughts and prayers to Jerry and family.
Walt Marolf says
So sorry for your loss. Elma was an artist in wood framing and her work brings us a lot of joy. Besides that Jerry I liked her. Please extend my condolences to all your family.
Keith Holmlund says
Jerry and Family, Remember all the good times we had years back and hopefully they will help you through these hard times. Alma was a wonderful person and it was a pleasure knowing her. Keith and Marge
Shirley A Rolf says
Jerry and families, sorry for your loss. But remember the spunk she had. Hard not to like this gal.
Linda Seleg Wyse says
Jerry and family, my deepest sympathy to all of you you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danette & David Olguin says
God just gained another Angel for sure! Our prayers are with all of her family during this difficult time. Fly high sweet lady!
Irene Helm says
Snuffy and family, I am shocked to her of Alma’s passing. What a fun loving and bright light she will be missed by so many.
Jon & Becky Bass says
Jerry, What a great woman, Met her when she framed pictures for us. She did a wonderful job. But better yet she became a friend. I’am so glad we saw you both at Cracker Barrel, at Christmas time.. Didn’t get to visit , but enjoyed seeing you both. Even it was only to say HI, Bless you Jerry. Your in our prayers you and Your family
Jon & Becky Bass
Rick Newby says
Wow, my prayers to you and family. Great person and friend.
Kathy Damm Culy says
Jerry and family
I am totally saddened to hear of Alma’s passing. my heart breaks for you all!
Deepest Sympathy
Don Neese says
OMG Jerry,
I’m so sorry for your loss. She will be missed but always remembered in our hearts. Be strong my ol friend.
Always
Don N.
Jan. Champion says
I got to know Elma at Shores , We had meny visit when she was framing pictures shared a lot of framing ideas, What a joy she was to be around
So sorry to hear about her passing
My Sympathy to all her family. God Bless
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
So very sorry! Alma was a sweet lady. She was such a good Grandma!!! You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Jerry and family, we are sending prayers asking for you to receive comfort during this time of grieving. We hope your memories fill the hole in your heart.
Mike Archdale says
So sorry to hear this sad news Jerry. Remember all the good times.
Ron and Connie Watts says
To Jerry and family – we are so very sorry to hear of Alma’s passing. Sending prayers for God’s comfort at this difficult time.
Charles & Mary Ann Phipps says
Jerry: So sorry to hear of Alma’s passing. We think of you often.
Sarah Stein says
Kristina, Kandace and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful lady and she was always so kind to me when we were growing up in Miles City. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sarah Tribby Stein
Cindy Stanton says
Jerry,
I’m so sorry for this huge loss. May you find comfort and peace in the days to come.
Pam Rogge says
Condolences and prayers to the family.
Tami Davies says
Kristina and Kelci and Alma’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. There are no words to take away your hurt and pain during this sad time. Thoughts of comfort and strength to you all.
Dwight and Lynette Tague says
What a fun loving lady! It was a pleasure to have known her.
Nyoka, Jason, Libby, & Paige Twitchell says
Jerry sorry for your loss, I sure liked Alma and remember first meeting her at her frame shop. Take care and prayers for you and your family.
Jan Munroe says
What a shock! Alma was much too young and lively to lose so soon. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. She was a lovely lady and will certainly be missed! I don’t remember if it was when I taught Ryan or through the frame shop, but I counted her as a wonderful friend.
Sherry Stoltz says
So sorry to the family for the loss of this beautiful, sweet, kind lady. ❤️🙏❤️
Mike king says
My most sincere sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Carol and Charles Cherry says
Jerry and family. So sorry to hear about Alma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Dillon says
Jerry and family. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my prayers. I’m so thankful that We will see our loved ones again Mary Dillon
Cheryl Tonn says
My heart is full of sorrow at this news. What a firecracker she was!! 💥❤️. She will leave a huge hole in your lives and I pray for you all for your broken hearts!!
Terri Fandrich says
Oh Jerry, I’m so very sorry. Wrapping you up in prayers of strength, my friend.
Karla Elder says
Jerry and family, my condolence to each of you. Alma was a bright light in so many dull places. I’ll treasure her friendship and the beautiful frames she made for Robyn, Kasey, and Kym’s graduations.
Mike & Diane says
Jerry, , we are so sad to hear of the passing of Alma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family
Melinda Tangen says
Jerry, Kristina, Kandy, Tim, Ryan and families,I am so sorry to hear about Alma. You were such nice neighbors to have. Alma was a special kind of light, she will be missed by all who loved her. Remember her laugh, her smile and she will always be with you.
Linda says
Alma
Will never forget Tuesdays …Womens Pool…. what a cracker!! RIP My Friend!!!
Joan Bunke says
I was so surprised and deeply saddened
learning of Alma’s passing. What a gal with a great
sense of humor, compassion, work ethics, and her laugh!!!
Jerry and family, please accept my heartfelt
sympathy.
Alma was a life blessing to know and work beside🙏❤️
Vicki king carrafa says
Jerry I am so sorry to hear that you lost your wife. You have my deepest sympathy. Prayers and hugs your way.