Marie Valma Weedon Smith, 82

Marie Valma Weedon Smith, 82, our mother, passed through the veil of mortality on Feb. 4, 2010, at 3:30 a.m. at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by her children. Marie was born June 15, 1927, to William James Weedon and Myrtle Esther Newton Ray Weedon in Subiaco, West Australia. Marie married Cecil May 28, 1952, in the Latter-day Saints temple in Cardston, Alberta, after immigrating to the United States. She gave birth to and raised 11 children. By her beautiful spirit, Marie touched the lives of many people both far and wide. She was a woman of many God-given talents. She performed at numerous events and poetry gatherings throughout the West. She had a great appreciation and love of beautiful music, literature and fine art. She was an avid quilter, reader, poet and short story writer. Marie has published several books of poetry on her experiences of love and family life in both the United States and Australia. Marie touched the lives of everyone she met. She was always anxious to help the downtrodden where she could, either financially or spiritually. Those that knew Marie will always remember her as the woman with beautiful auburn red hair, an Australian accent, an engaging smile and a true joy to be around. She loved good conversation and was always eager for a game of Scrabble. Marie was a devoutly faithful human being, with God s purpose always first and foremost in her life. She was a stellar example of kindness, love and faith towards all mankind. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, a tribute to her parents, family and husband. We loved her so. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Alden Smith, in 1984. Marie is survived by her 11 children, Pauline Smith of Somers, Greg and Betsy Smith of Somers, Rocky and Reta Smith of Somers, Kent and Diane Smith of Bigfork, Guy and Jean Smith of Farmington, Minn., Rin and Michelle Smith of Kalispell, LaPriel and Doug Bergstrom of Phoenix, Stephen and Lisa Smith of Kalispell, Raychelle and Scott Fischer of Carver, Minn., Carey and Michelle Smith of Farmington, and Charlotta and Seth Sorensen of Rock Springs, Wyo. Marie also has 36 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; with dozens of beloved nieces and nephews both in the United States and Australia; a dear sister, Bethney Joy Pilling, of Perth, West Australia; and her beloved brother, William Ray Weedon, of Albany, West Australia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, in Kalispell. Visitation will be held in the Relief Society room one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 10, at the Carey Cemetery in Carey, Idaho. Memorials can be sent to Stephen Smith at 119 Buffalo Square Court, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Marie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Marie s tribute wall.