Ralpha Jean Smith, 86, of Helena passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019, with her daughters holding her hands and singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Ralpha was born August 5, 1933, in a family cabin at Zurich, Montana, to Ralph and Ella Ruth (Sharples) Patrick.
The spring after WWII began, she moved with her family to Helena, Montana, where she graduated from Helena High School. In 1951, she married Duane “Jack” Smith, and seven children were born to this marriage. Ralpha loved traveling, playing on bridge leagues and cribbage with her grandkids, bowling, her flower garden, collecting salt & pepper shakers, lady head vases, and glassware.
Ralpha worked at the Department of Transportation as a right-of-way agent. After retiring from the state, she went back to work at the East Helena Boiler Makers as a bookkeeper and worked through her 70s.
Ralpha enjoyed spending time with her family, and was very proud of all her grandkids and great grandkids. She is survived by her children Carla (Ted) Coffers, Las Vegas; Ruth (Ron) Moericke, Vergas, MN; Joyce (Tom) Love, Lindy Proue, Dwan (Wes) Winden, and Pat Proue, all of Helena. She is also survived by her brother Gayle ‘Buster’ Patrick, Malta, and Audrey Worrell, Columbia Falls; 16 grandchildren: Dustin, Scott, Jamie, Katrina, Josh, Ronnie, Krista, Sara, Casey, Ruthie, Rachel, Michael, Cari, Matt, Dani, Rachel, and 24 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two beloved sons, Scott and Mike, and siblings Donna Coate, Patricia Taylor, Shelby and David Patrick. A celebration of life and graveside services will be held in the spring in Malta, where she requested to be buried beside her son Scotty.
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Linda Opie says
So sorry to hear about Ralpha’s death. We had many good times years ago bowling together. Hugs and prayers. God bless
Drew Dawson says
My condolences to Ralpha’s family. I know how acutely you will all feel her loss. While I didn’t know her well, I certainly enjoyed my brief visits with her, Dustin, Orion and Jett. What an unforgettable lady of whom we will all have our own unique and fond memories. God bless her! Drew Dawson
Kitty Mundt says
I worked with Ralph’s at the MDT Right-of-Way Bureau when she worked as a Right-of-Way Agent. She was an interesting woman and we would visit about our collections. She was so proud of her children. I enjoyed knowing and working with her. My sympathy and prayers to her family.
Dustin Ford says
Grandmother, most beautiful and wonderful person. Thank you for a lifetime of great memories, the love for gardening and cribbage , plus so much more. You said you’d live to 100 WTF??? You will always be missed. Catch you in heaven.