Linda Lee Smith, 69

Linda Lee Smith, 69, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at her home in Bigfork. She was born on Aug. 15, 1940 in Rapid City, S.D. to Zeke and Velma (Judson) Valdez. Linda grew up in the small mining and tourist town of Keystone, S.D., attended grade school there and high school in Hill City, S.D. It was only two miles from Mount Rushmore where she met Bob Smith, and they were married in Keystone on July 20, 1957. Linda had two sons, Steve and Leon. In 1963, Bob and Linda moved to Bigfork where they loved and lived since. She loved to cook, go camping, pick huckleberries and take her dog Bailey on walks. For many years, Linda worked in the Christmas tree fields in the Bigfork area. For twenty years she was employed by the Averills at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. She enjoyed working with all the employees, especially her very good friend, Gail Olsen. Linda enjoyed attending church services every week at the Bible Baptist Church in Kalispell, and the Lord has led her home. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; a son, Steven G. Smith; and her parents. She is survived by her son, Leon, of Bigfork; two grandchildren, Lindsay Rahn of Kalispell; and Elias Smith of Bigfork, who was the love of her life. She enjoyed every minute, every bicycle ride and every opportunity to bake cookies with Elias. She is also survived by a brother, Thomas Valdez of Gillette, Wyo. Private graveside services will be held. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Linda s Family. Family and friends are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Linda s tribute wall and offer condolences.