Billie Lou (Deming) Smith

Billie Lou (Deming) Smith

Billie Lou (Deming) Smith, 84, died of natural causes at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, Aug. 6, 2011. A memorial service with be held Friday, Aug. 12, at 1 p. m., at the Lutheran Church in Scobey, Mont.

Billie Lou was born to Ada and Raymond Deming on Jan. 21, 1927, in Harlem, Mont., and has been "bustin' crust" ever since. She graduated in 1945 from Plentywood High School. On July 19, 1945, she married Dale Smith, and they spent the next 52 years together, living along the Hi-Line and in Great Falls. She was a busy wife and mother to six children, Vickie Mueller of Billings, Dan Smith, Darla (Ray) Cherry of Missoula, Darryl Smith of Salem, Ore., Curt (Robin) Smith of Laurel and Charlotte (John) Gauer of Havre. Some of her favorite times were spent watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She also enjoyed her relationships with her family and lifelong friends.

In addition to her children, she is survived her 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren (and one on the way), all of whom loved and adored her for her "piss and vinegar. " She is also survived by her sisters, Fannie McKay of Havre and Vivienne Brainard of Chinook; her brother, Bob (Loraine) Deming of Great Falls; and sisters-in-law, Lola Deming and Evelyn Deming.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale, in 1997; and her brothers, Henry Deming and Dr. Curtis Deming.

Billie enjoyed her last years with her sister and many friends at the Grande Villa and the Senior Center in Chinook, Mont.

This amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend and wielder of the Texas Flyswatter will be missed beyond words! Her smart-alecky sense of humor and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society in Billie Lou's name.