Nola Smith, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 21, 2013. Nola was born at home on June 13, 1915, near Lovell, Wyo., to Claude and Mary (Moore) Smith. Nola was the youngest of three children, joining her brothers Edgar and Earl. In 1934, Nola’s family moved to Mitchell Gulch, near East Helena. Nola remained in Wyoming, worked for her room and board and finished her senior year of high school. After graduation, she joined her family in Montana.
Nola’s brother Ed introduced her to Archie Smith at a dance at the Vollmer place, which is now the Kleffner Ranch. Archie and Nola were married Aug. 19, 1935, in Pocatello, Idaho. They were married for 72 years before Archie passed away in January 2008.
After the 1935 earthquake in Helena, Archie and Nola built their first home at York, living in a tent on the property during construction. Daughters Lorraine and Lorna were born while they lived in York. From York they moved to Corbin, where son Jim was born. Due to Archie’s work the family moved to various locations around Montana and Idaho before coming back to Helena in 1950. Their son Jerry was born when they returned to Helena. They were longtime residents of Helena’s Sixth Ward, and had many memories and stories from that time in their life. Nola worked at the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the Montana Automobile Association in Helena for many years before retiring in 1975.
Nola’s legacy will live on through the many wonderful memories she shared with us. She was strong, humble and gracious and her mind was sharp right up to the end of her life. She loved playing catch in the backyard with her grandkids, and was the family champion when it came to Indian leg wrestling. After retirement, Archie and Nola could often be found at their kitchen table in the afternoons playing a game of pinochle with whomever stopped by, or walking around downtown Helena. They were proud of the miles they logged each day on their walks. At age 80, Nola joined a group of her family and hiked to the top of Mount Helena. At 90, she joined son Jim and his family and, with lots of assistance from Jim, went through Lewis and Clark Caverns. Both feats she was very proud of! Nola also loved family picnics at the mines where they used to live and drives through the countryside. She could recite the alphabet backwards quicker than most of us could say it forwards, could name the states alphabetically, recite the Gettysburg Address and could often be heard humming the song “You Are My Sunshine.” In her later years, Nola listened to nearly 800 books on tape from the Montana Talking Book Library. She was able to remain in her home to the very end of her life thanks to the efforts of her family, friends and neighbors.
Nola was preceded in death by her parents, both brothers, her husband, Archie, and son-in-law Bob Hancock. She is survived by her children, Lorraine Hancock, Jim (Jean) Smith, Jerry (Carol Jean) Smith, all of Helena, and her daughter Lorna Steinke of Missoula. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Mary (Rocky) Yuricic, Curt Reese, Karen (Jim) Reese-Schwenk, Mark (Jamie) Reese, Traci (Russ) Smith, Kristi (Steve) Nickisch, Jodie (Rick) Miller, Jeff Smith and Jay Smith, Sarah (Brent) Stanger and Casey (Duffy) Jones. She is also survived by 27 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and her brother-in-law Bud Smith. Nola will also be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, whom she thought the world of. Nola was truly a remarkable woman. Grandma, thank you for all the wonderful memories. We will miss you but will never forget your kindness, sense of humor and loving ways. We love you!
Per Nola’s request, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place and entrusted to Twichel Funeral and Cremation Services. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be sent to Helena Food Share, 1616 Lewis, Helena MT 59601, or a charity of donor’s choice. Express condolences at www.helenafunerals.com.
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Dwan Smith Winden says
Lit a candle in memory of Nola Smith
Jean Smith says
2 files added to the tribute wall
Joyce Love says
What an inspirational and beautiful lady. My thoughts are prayers are with you all. Love, Joyce Smith Whitehouse Love (daughter of Jack-Duane)
peggy Colvin says
My family and I feel incredibly blessed to have crossed paths with Nola. She was an amazing intelligent gal who was more concerned about others in her life than she was about herself. I fondly cherish the wine and snack parties I shared with Nola, her loving caregiver/daughter, Lorna and their kind, generous neighbors/friends. May fond memories comfort her family and friends. Love, blessings and healing prayers from Peg, Amber, Adam and Tucker
bob haab says
Nola and her family were given a wonderful gift of many years of life together. We had the pleasure of meeting her at Cooney when Archie was there. We had our uncle Bunchy Haab there also. The Haab’s had been lucky to call the Smith’s friends when they lived in Corbin. We were also fortunate in meeting Lorraine and Lorna. What a pleasure to have known Nola. Bob and Jackie Haab
Leslee says
A tribute Nola.
My Mom, the sweetest you will always be. My mothers so loving, and so loved by me.
God has called you home to his side. Happily in Heaven is where you reside.
A special bond we share, like no other. Only possible, by Daughter by Mother.
I thank God for each day we were able to share. Rest easy Mom, in God’s loving care.
With sympathy and love.
Lana & Leslee