Frances Smith

Frances Edward Smith, 74, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2004 at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City following a long illness. Edward was born on January 15, 1930 the son of Walter A. and Madeline (Carey) Smith in Ekalaka. He grew up and attended rural country schools in the Chalk Buttes area. Edward began ranching with his parents in the Chalk Buttes. He enlisted in the US Army and served for two years. He was honorable discharge in 1961. He returned to Ekalaka where he began working as a heavy equipment operator for road construction. Edward worked for various companies which took him to all parts of Montana. Due to his battle with MS, he retired in 1978. Edward returned to Ekalaka where he cared for his aunt, Hazel Stigen for many years. Following her death in 1985, he continued to make Ekalaka his home until 1998 when he moved into the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City. Over the years a special kinship developed between Edward and his cousins, Leland, Kent and Allen Smith. He enjoyed hunting and was considered an excellent shot. Edward enjoyed driving around his old willies jeep, his cat and having coffee with his friends twice a day at the local coffee shop. Survivors include: his sister, Kathy (Dennis Kuehn) Smith, Ekalaka; two nieces, Nicole (Ryan) Ogan and Misty Smith; a nephew, Aspen Smith; a step-brother, Bernie Parrish, Spanaway, WA and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Gladys Smith, and a step-brother, Danny Parrish


Burial Date: July 21, 2004
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral: Wednesday, Stevenson Funeral Home, Ekalaka