Marie Olive Smith passed away on Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 at the Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings of complications following hip surgery from a fall in her home.
Marie was born the only child to Ora J. and Ethel M. (Scoles) Coleman in Sioux City, Iowa. Marie’s parents divorced when she was about 6 months old. Marie spent much of her early childhood staying with her grandparents. She attended schools in Forsyth, Vananda, and Colstrip.
On May 28, 1938, Marie married Wilbur K. Smith. They lived on Slaughterhouse Creek Road, where they began building their farm and ranch operation. Money was short and hard work was their way of life, but Marie had a home of her own where she belonged.
Marie was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to many. Living most of her life in Rosebud County meant most people knew her and there were many kids that called her grandma, even though they did not belong to her family.
Marie was a member of the Federated Church in Forsyth, and a long time 4-H leader in Rosebud County for sewing and cooking. She enjoyed serving as an election judge, where she could visit with people she did not see on a regular basis.
Marie was known for her legendary angel food cakes, homemade egg noodles and secret, delicious BBQ sauce. She always had cookies and ice cream for guests in her home. She loved nothing more than to play pinochle, and most likely win. Most years she had a bumper garden crop, where her grandkids learned to pick potato bugs, shell peas, snap beans and can the home-grown produce. Marie was a fantastic embroider, and many family and friends have pillowcases, dresser scarves, dish towels and tablecloths displaying her handiwork to cherish forever. She continued to do quality embroidery work up until her death.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years; her parents; stepfather, Max Short; her son, Robert Smith; her brother, Jearold Short; a half-brother, Calvin Coleman and grandson, Monty Smith. She is survived by her sisters, Louise Sims, and Josephine Falcon; daughter, Rose Marie (Gene) Mason; son, Raymond (Anne) Smith; daughter, Rita (Daniel) Watson; daughter-in-law, Carol Smith; grandchildren Gene, Donnie, Diane, Richard, Jennifer, Caitlin, Shalaine; 11 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Federated Church or Forsyth Fire Departments.
We will remember Marie every day, but especially when we sit down to have a brandy-slush and play dominoes.
A family to receive friends will be held on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 4-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral services will be at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday June 11, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service
Tuesday June 11, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Rita and Dale Watson says
Oh, I am so sad. Prayers for you all.
Sam and Ann Stuart says
Rita and Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Ann and Sam Stuart
Sam and Ann Stuart says
Rita and Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Ann and Sam Stuart
Tim and Pam Cox says
Ray and Anne
Rita and Dan
We are so sorry to hear about Marie. She has been a wonderful friend and an inspiration for many. She will be truly missed.
Love
Randall's says
To the Family:
So sad to hear that Marie has left us. We will miss her wonderful smile, hospitality and sense of humor. I am so glad that we could spend time with her when we would pass through.
Steve and Callie Randall
Carol Plympton says
We are so sorry for Marie’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. May all those good memories flood your hearts and minds. Hugs to all.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
June Cox says
Marie’s family,
So sorry to hear this! Marie was a wonderful lady and a long time friend!
TJ Cape says
What a sweet lady and second mom. She will certainly be missed. Who is going to bring the scale to the Pioneer Picnic? Love her. Sending sincere condolences your way.
Becky Heberle says
Prayers for you. It’s hard losing a mom.
Harriet Jansen says
Will never forget the kindness Marie showed me after the loss of my husband. Such a kind lady. We will be unable to attend the funeral but our thoughts and Prayers are with all of you. Veryl & Harriet Jansen
Randi Madsen says
I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jack and Sandi Van Pelt says
We are so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Sheila and Monty Haselhuhn says
She was a friendly, loving person who always wore a smile! She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all.
Susan & Richard Joy from Huntington WV says
To Marie’s Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Marie will be missed but never forgotten. Thinking of all of the good memories.
Steve LaFayette says
Our prayers and love to Marie’s loving family.
No one can prepare for the loss of a parent.
Each one of you can know she now here’s the grand piano up yonder. God gave you a strong woman to be a mother of many. She lives and is where her loving husband and son is.
Let all rejoice and celebrate the life of a strong mom.
Steve & Terri LaFayette
Debby Beals Beartusk says
What a great lady. Marie and Louise would attend many Golden Girls luncheons and it was a pleasure to visit with them. She will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Janet & Racel Stanhope says
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Marie was a truly genuine and caring person. She will be missed. We send all our prayers to you and yours in this very difficult time.
Dwayne Albertson says
Sorry for your loss. She was a gracious lady who made life brighter for many.
Connie (Coleman) Chitwood says
Sorry about your loss. She was a very thoughtful lady. Loved the video. Lots of memories.