Kenneth Eugene Smith, age 93, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2020.
Ken was born to Carl and Inez Smith on July 13, 1926 in Miles City, Montana.
He was raised in a log cabin on the home place at Olive, Montana. The family built and moved into their new house in 1942 when Ken was 16. Ken started at the Olive school and then graduated from Broadus High School. He graduated from Montana State College with a animal science degree and then he joined the army.
Ken was on leave and met Coila at a Broadus dance where she was taking tickets. They visited and spent the rest of the evening together. This was the beginning of their lifelong love. Ken was in the service and stationed in New Jersey. He took leave from the service and came back to marry Coila on September 18, 1951. Afterward, they both returned to New Jersey, and then Ken was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia. Three months later, they returned to the family ranch with new son Gene. They lived in a trailer till 1955 when they built their house and welcomed their daughter Cheri. In 1960 son Terry was born and daughter Annette was born in 1962.
Ken enjoyed flying his plane and raising wheat. Coila and Ken took many trips with their family and friends. He loved fishing trips and camping in the Big Horn Mountains. Ken expanded the ranch by raising cattle and wheat. He enjoyed branding and visiting with everyone. We remember him taking his walks, especially his walks up the hill. He believed in keeping fit and healthy. Ken supported his children in their adventures and sharing his wisdom. His grandchildren were his delight as he watched them grow to be adults.
Ken is survived by his brother Ted (Ellen) Smith of Olive, Montana, sister Cora (Bob) Ofstie of Oregon; son Eugene (Diane), and children Jessica (Grant) Beagles, Samantha Jo (Logan) Perreault, and Jake Smith; son Terry (Kebi), and children Justin (Megan) Smith and Kelsey Smith; daughter Cheri Collins and children Chris (Ryan) Collins, Michelle (Justin) Gaudette; daughter Annette (Chuck) Keller and children Amanda (Andrew) Emmel, Kayla Kircher, Chris (Lacey) Keller, Eric (Melissa) Keller and Alex Keller. Great grandchildren Everett, Arlowe, Ada, Caden, Taya, Hannah, Mason, Nolan, Cooper, Chaislyn, and Corbett. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Coila, and grandson Bryan.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River Congregational Church or the Henry Malley Memorial Library.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday February 1, 2020
Powder River Congregational Church
309 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
After Memorial Service
Saturday February 1, 2020
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Share
Dora Meidinger-Huckins says
To Ken’s family:
This saddens my heart to hear…
Heaven gained a true angel with a heart of pure gold!
I’m sure he and Coila are rejoicing together as they reunite once again! What a lifetime of special memories made together with such a wonderful family on the Smith Ranch.
Enjoy your new home, Ken! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family.
Cali (Hilliard) Baker says
Many happy times were had when I was little with Ken and Coila. Such a great couple, and I learned a little about what love was supposed to look like and how life was supposed to be lived through their stories. To all the Smith family, thanks for sharing them with me. I’m sorry to hear of your loss, may you be surrounded by love at this time.
Cindy Burris says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Dave and Cindy
Vanna Byrd says
Oh, how he will be missed. Loved going out to help Coila clean house when I was in high school. They were always a very welcoming family. RIP Ken and say Hello to Heaven for us.
Kori Williams says
Smith family you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will dearly miss Ken, his amazing smile and his laugh.
Mary Smith Roig says
I love my Uncle Ken and will miss him always. Ken, you are out of that wheelchair. Dance now with your beloved Aunt Coila.
Praying for all of our family. Uncle Ken and Aunt Coila made this a better world to live in.
Ginger says
I have fond memories of both Ken and Coila….such nice people who raised a nice family. Ken never really knew a stranger and had a ‘hello’ at the ready for everyone. Love and peace to all the Smith family.
Teal Dobie says
What a wonderful picture of Ken! His smile was contagious. I enjoyed my time spent with him at the Manor. Prayers to his family.
Bernice Rolfson says
My heart goes out to the Smith family. I have many fond memories of fun times we enjoyed with them. Prayers to each of you.
Kathy Bowers says
Ken was one sweet man, I felt blessed to know him at the Manor. He brought humor and smiles to many. RIP dear Ken
Shirley Rolf says
Sorry for you loss
Rick Clemes says
Gene and Cheri, sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Connie (Earley) Watts says
Cheri, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. God bless you and all your family.