Violet Ardelle Smith, 82, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on July 24, 2016.
Violet was born at her family home, the third child of a family of five children, in Noyes Township, Lake of the Woods, near Baudette, Minnesota on September 23, 1933 to Chet and Leora White. Violet married her high school sweetheart, Ray Smith, on September 10, 1949. They made their home in East Helena, Montana and together they raised four children – Dustin, Wayne, Shari and Tim. Mom was a homemaker until her children were all in school and then worked at Hrella’s Grocery Store, Sheehan’s, and the Department of Agriculture until her retirement 20 years ago.
Violet could be described as a “Coat of Many Colors”. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, homemaker, seamstress, baker, volunteer, and ultimate cheerleader of her children, grandchildren and the area youth. She was always making quilts and sweaters for her family, most notably knitted slippers at Christmas. Always thinking of others not so fortunate, gathering clothes and making quilts for them too. She mended stuffed animals and delivered them to law enforcement agencies to give to children that were in accidents or just in need comfort. Using yarn and materials either donated or left over from other projects, made lap quilts for the Veterans Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital. She spent countless hours in volunteer service wherever she saw a need.
She was a comedian and loved to tell stories that made you laugh. She was an honest and loyal friend, and the same to her family. If you were to sum up Mom in one word – she was quite “wonderful”. Violet will be missed not only by her family, but also by those whose hearts she touched.
Violet is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ray Smith; siblings Vivian Sanford and Everette White; children Dustin (Kathy), Wayne (Mary), Shari Briggeman (Ron) and Tim. Grandchildren: Shannon, Devin, Trevor (Gina), Dusty Ray, Austin (Erin), Tim, Brian (Julie), Jordyn, and step-grandchildren Bobby, Tamara and Shannon.
Great Grandchildren: Brenden (Stephanie), Brad, Chet, Drew, Tyzer, Annie, Caleb, Peyton, Dean, Kendyl, and Avery with a Great-Great Grandchild due at Christmas.
Violet was preceded in death by her brother Francis White and sister Wilma Anderson.
We would like to especially thank Carol and Mike Korman, Heidi Agner and Donna Sargent for their kindness and loving care given to Mom during her illness.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 30, at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow at the Lincoln Community Center on Main Street in Lincoln, MT. In lieu of flowers, because of her love of youth athletics, most recently the Lincoln Lynx, please send memorials in Violet’s memory to the Lincoln Public School.
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elaine tuffli says
So sorry for your loss. She was always such a sweet woman. May you find peace in knowing she isinbetter place. The Tuffli family
Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Se rvice says
1 file added to the album Memories Album
Nikki Noland says
I remember at our girls weekend with her daughter Shari and her daughter-in-law Kathy at the cabin when she made those pumpkin pies for our Thanksgiving dinner theme. They were wonderful and she made so many, we almost all got our own.
Nikki Noland says
I remember when Vi baked us a whole bunch of pumpkin pies for a girl’s Thanksgiving themed weekend at the cabin with her daughter Shari and her daughter-in-law Kathy. They were delicious and she made so many, we almost each had our own pie.
jim and sally wilcox says
We r so sorry to hear of Vi’s passing. I will always remember and treasure all the times her and Ray would come hang out with us in Lincoln at the cabin. She always wanted to see us and always had a story. Ray we love u and your family with all our hearts and know she will be forever missed. Our thoughts and prayers r with all of u now and the days ahead. :pray::pray::pray::heart::heart:
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Ray and all, Know I send my deepest sympathy and prayers of healing for all of you. Know you are in my thoughts. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding.
Margaret Montgomery says
I arrived in Montana from England with my G.I. husband in 1960…and Violet was one of the first people I met. I’ve known her now for many many years but I will never forget how she took me under her wing and taught me the Yankee way of life. She was my friend and my mentor and always so very very kind. I shall remember her always with very fond memories. Margaret Montgomery
Geary Zale says
Shari and Ron
We are very sorry for your loss; and, wish to express our most heartfelt sympathy. We will keep her and you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Darmour and Geary Zale
Jay Reardon says
Ray,Dusty,Wayne,Sheri and Tim Sorry to here about Vi’s passing she was one of those great East Helena moms when we were going up in East Helena. She kept an eye out on all of us and we are better people for knowing her. God bless.
Buzz Helfert says
passingand family- I was so sorry to hear of Vi’s passing-she was a matriarch of East Helena.I remember her tireless support of the East helena Fire dept. and all the fundraising she did on the EHVFD ladies auxilliary. Truly a gentlewoman-may God grant her peace.