Billie Smith, 77

Billie Smith, 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Bigfork on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, while surrounded by her family and close friends.

Billie was born on Dec. 18, 1937, in Spokane to Geraldine Hall. She was raised in Kalispell and attended Flathead County High School.

Billie married her high school sweetheart, Doug Smith, on June 15, 1956, in Denver.

She attended school for dental assisting and office management. Billie was well known for her catering and love of cooking as well as being her husband’s favorite pie maker. She was an avid fan of high school sports in Bigfork, watching many kids over the last 40 years.

Billie was known as “Grammy” too many, not just her own family, but made everyone feel like she was their Grammy too. She lived life with a positive outlook and saw the best in everyone whose paths she crossed.

Billie is survived by her husband, Doug Smith, of Bigfork; her children, Debra and Mike Sward, Craig and Tracy Smith, and Vernon Patti Smith; grandchildren, Merisa and Pat Murray, Laurell and Matt Hartle, Cara and Bo Smith, Brandon and Jessica Benkelman, Ryan and Becca Smith, Brent and Valarie Benkelman, Brook Sward, Cory and Clara Smith, Trisha and Walker Quiram, Cas Smith and Colin Smith. Billie is blessed with 11 great-grandchildren who were her world.

She was preceded in death by her mother, aunts, uncles, cousins and her beloved dog Miss Bentley.

The family invites all to join in a celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Bigfork High School gym. There will be a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances be given to hospice, Humane Society, and the Flathead County Animal Shelter.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the Smith family.