Betty Lou Smith, 67

Betty Lou Smith, 67, of Columbia Falls, died Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007, at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish, after a long brave battle with Alzheimer's. Betty was born Aug. 28, 1939, to Goldie Emma and Lyle Averial Chapman in Columbia Falls where she was raised and educated.

In 1958, she married Leo Franklin Smith of Columbia Falls where they raised their four children and resided until illness made it necessary for them to be cared for at the Colonial Manor.

Betty was a devoted and dedicated wife and mother. She had a merry spirit within her generous and serving heart. Her family was formed by watching her live as well the many lives she so unselfishly touched. Betty enjoyed being with her family above all, as well as gardening, camping, fishing and being outdoors. Betty spent many years picking huckleberries beside Leo as well as her children. She was known for her Betty's Huckleberry Pie. Betty enjoyed sitting with Leo on their deck watching the hummingbirds they attracted with their secret recipe for hummingbird food.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her parents, Lyle and Goldie Chapman; her mother and father-in-law, Helen and Frank Smith; brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Lindsley, Robert "Bob" Smith and wife, Barbara; and a nephew, Michael Smith.

Betty is survived by her four children, Sherry and Gary Burchett of Great Falls, Tami Sue Smith of Kalispell, Terry Smith and wife, Taryn, of Columbia Falls, and Tony Smith of Rapid City, S.D.; a sister, Delores "Laverne" Lindsley at Colonial Manor in Whitefish; brother-in-law, William "Bill" Smith and wife, Linda, of Marion; five granddaughters, Laci Smith, BriAnna Bukoskey and Betsy Bukoskey of Kalispell, Jordan Smith and Sydney Smith of Rapid City, S.D.; three grandsons, Levi Smith and wife, Karen, of Helena, Jayme Bukoskey of Kalispell, and Trevor Smith of Rapid City, S.D.; one great-grandson, Braden Winterburn-Smith of Helena; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Rev. David Merkel will officiate. Burial will be afterwards at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. A reception will be after the burial at the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church.

The family has suggested that memorials be made to the Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, Montana 59901.