Charles “Ron”, “Ronnie” “Ronald” Smith, resident of Helena, MT passed away on March 4, 2018 at St. Peter’s Hospital at the age of 78 years. Rene’ Smith, his wife of 56 ½ years, and children were with him.
Ron was born in Helena, raised in East Helena, where he entertained family and friends playing the accordion since he was 10 years old. Ron enjoyed growing up in a small town where it was just a walk down the road to see his Aunts, Uncles and other family members. He enjoyed hanging out at his Grandfather’s bar, Smith’s Place, where his Aunt Mimi would serve him and his friends lunch sometimes. Ron told his kids many stories of his antics as he grew up in a small town. He always wanted to be a pilot but his poor eyesight kept him from that dream. He enjoyed science, doing experiments in his basement with his chemistry set.
He graduated and went to Carroll College for a year before he transferred to University of Montana because they had a better business school. He graduated from University of Montana with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. He took his first job with the IRS, married Rene’ June 15, 1961 and off they went to California. He enjoyed working for the IRS and got to travel the states during his employment with them. Mainly getting to travel back east to St Louis and Chicago where he made contact with Slovenian bands that he fell in love with and when he was home he did research on the music and played it on his accordion. He stayed in contact with the Roman Posedi and Frank Yankovic bands over the years. He also passed his CPA licensure while living in California. Meanwhile, Rene’ was home with their children, Christopher, Cheryl, Carolyn and Curtis.
Shortly after Curtis was born Ron moved the family back to Helena and he took a job with the Department of Revenue, State of Montana. He purchased the house that the kids grew up in on Stuart St. He continued his love of polka and Slovenian music. He made a lot of contacts through his travels out East. As the kids got older Ron and Rene’ were able to travel. They enjoyed three trips to Europe in the 70’s, where they visited family and enjoyed the music of the area. They also went on many trips to Polka Festivals with friends. Ron also played his accordion at the Red Lodge Festival of Nations many years. The kids loved going to Red Lodge and enjoyed learning about their heritage.
Ron retired from the Department of Revenue in 1995. He was then able to follow some of the Slovenian and polka bands, even taking Rene’ on cruises where the bands played. Some of the bands even asked him to play with them. Ron and Rene’ celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2011. They made the rounds to visit all their children and grandchildren almost every year, traveling to Port Angeles WA to see Chris, Discovery Bay, CA to see Curtis, Greeley Co to see Carolyn and Rio Rancho, NM to see Cheryl.
Ron had many hobbies starting with his love of music. He loved to play accordion, and other instruments. He also enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, including crosswords, sudoku, and handheld puzzles. He was always an avid reader, priding himself on reading the whole set of The Book of Knowledge and the Encyclopedias when he was a kid. In his later years he also enjoyed watching and critiquing movies. Every time you talked to him he was recommending a book or a movie. He also loved taking walks and spending time with their dog Penny.
Ron was a member of many clubs including; SNPJ Lodge, KSKJ Lodge, Elks Club, Accordion Club Assn., Catholic United and the AICPA.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Rene’, and his children, Christopher Smith, Cheryl (Mike) Glenn, Carolyn (Mark) Jones and Curtis (Jamie) Smith. As well as his grandchildren, Jessica Hutchison, Olivia Weber, Blake Smith, Connor Jones, Peyton Jones, Piper Jones, Teagun Glenn and Sterling Glenn. His Great Grandchildren; Brynlee Hutchison, Nikolas Weber, Dustin Smith, Tucker Smith, Sawyer Weber and Brody Hutchison. And by his sister, Carol (Ron) Colyar.
Celebration of Ron’s life will take place:
East Helena Fire Hall
Friday, June 22, 2018
From 5:00 to 9:00pm
Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Ron.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday June 22, 2018
East Helena Fire Hall
306 E Main St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday June 22, 2018
East Helena Fire Hall
306 E Main St
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Anna says
With sincere condolences to the Smith family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Anna Albertson
Mary Opitz Goplen says
Dear Smith Family ,
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, we had many a fun pre Easter celebration with Ron and Renea back in the day at my folks house. He would always play pockas on his accordion for us!!! It was wonderful!!! I will always be greatful for those days. God bless. Mary Opitz Goplen
Mary Lou Garrett says
Will miss Ron and his accordion. He kept many of us dancing at Smith’s Place, Great memories of great guy from East Helena.
Mary Lou
Mary Baumgardner says
MARY ANN AND JOE BAUMGARDNER SAY Ron (and Rene) were a Godsend to my daughter, Karen Anderson who left an abusive husband and father and was trying to raise 4 children on her own after having some deficits due to a history of 2 brain tumors. Since Ron’s children and grands did not live in Helena, he and Rene took it upon themselves to make every holiday a very special event for the 4 Anderson kids, making delicious homemade cakes, cookies, and bringing toys and joy for every holiday through the years. What a wonderful gift and so much joy they brought to the Anderson family and to us the Grandparents of the 4 kids. I(Mary Ann graduated from Hi School with Ron. His generosity will follow him! Mary Ann
Lynn Worsech (Reinhardt) says
I am so sorry to read of Ron’s passing. Renea & Ron where a part of my life and very young son’s life. Renea was the first day care my son went to. What wonderful and helpful people. The Smith family are in my prayers. Lynn & Wyatt
Reinhardt
Leon and Marsha Belville says
We are sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to the Family. Leon and Marsha Belville
Ed McKnight says
Ron and I are the same age (I’m 3 days older), and we grew up the the same mid-sized town, but I didn’t get to know know him until later in life.
That happened in the early 70’s when we both worked for the Legislative Auditor’s Office and the Department of Revenue. He was a man with no rough edges; likable, helpful and extremely competent. It came as no surprise to read the above
memory of this man and his wife giving a long-term helping hand to a mother and her children in desperate circumstance.
A special prayer for Ron and his family,
Ed McKnight
Kuna, Idaho
Don Bentson says
I worked with Ron for many years at the Legislative Audit Office and Revenue. He was a great auditor, a great accountant and a good friend. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Joe & Doreen Filson says
We also had the privilege of working with Ron for many years and he was very knowledgeable and professional and became a good friend. We have many wonderful memories with Ron and Rene. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ron and sympathies for his family.
Lynn Cheek says
Renea,
I am so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. This breaks my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He was such a wonderful man. Love you and hugs.
Chris M. Rouse says
Rene
I am so sorry to hear that Ron passed away. I am really sad to hear this news. O will so fondly remember so many many wonderful polka events and times we all had together and especially when Frank Yankovic was present. So many wonderful polkafests, dances, and ship cruises. Not to mention all the jam sessions and crazy parties. Ron and you are and always will be the best friends I could ever have. It pains me to know that Ron is no longer with us. I will always fondly remember Ron and the joy he created with his music and the warm friendship he brought to us all. I will be thinking of you Rene now and always.
My very best and prayers to you Rene
Chris Rouse
Denver, CO
Chris M. Rouse says
Rene
I am so sorry to hear that Ron passed away. I am really sad to hear this news. I will so fondly remember so many many wonderful polka events and times we all had together and especially when Frank Yankovic was present. So many wonderful polkafests, dances, and ship cruises. Not to mention all the jam sessions and crazy parties. Ron and you are and always will be the best friends I could ever have. It pains me to know that Ron is no longer with us. I will always fondly remember Ron and the joy he created with his music and the warm friendship he brought to us all. I will be thinking of you Rene now and always.
My very best and prayers to you Rene
Chris Rouse
Denver, CO
Jennifer Moore Blessing says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It has been a lot of years but I remember growing up with all the activity 2 houses down!! I remember Ron playing his accordion and packing up the vehicle for your trips. Take care!!
Judy B Moore says
There are so many memories connected with your family. The back and forth as neighbors, joining you at Red Lodge and Smith’s Bar are just a few. My condolences to your entire family and peace as you move forward. Ron leaves a wonderful legacy. Much love to all of you, Judy
John & Sandi Jaksha says
John and I want to send our sincere condolences to you, Rene, and your family as well as Ron’s Sister Carol. Enjjoyed many wk-ends together with you and Ron, enjoying good ole polka music and just having fun. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in Peace dear friend. John & Sandi
Rhonda Poelman Simmons says
My brother and I grew up in the neighborhood, and were daycared for by Rene. I remember Ron being such a pleasant man. So sorry to hear of his passing. What a wonderful legacy he has left behind through his music and family. I’m sure any time you hear it you will think of him. My condolences. God bless.
Tom Fudala says
I just learned of Ron’s passing this morning by searching the internet. I’m so very sorry to Ron’s family for not knowing sooner. I met Ron, not in person, but through the internet, phone calls, and postal letters. Ron would send me his own written music transcripts of polkas and waltzes by Yankovic, Pecon, etc. Ron could listen to a song by these artists on recordings and sit down and write the music to each song exactly as it was recorded. What a talent and gift. I know Ron had a stroke some years ago and after that happened I tried reaching him by phone on a number of occasions, but to no avail. My sincere condolences to Ron’s entire family. I will miss my accordion friend. Rest in peach, Ron.
Tom Fudala says
Although we never personally met, Ron and I stayed in touch by email. letters, and phone calls. I am truly indebted to Ron for sending to me his compositions in sheet music form many of Frankie Yankovic’s original recordings of polkas and waltzes, as well as music recorded by Johnny Pecon, Joey Miskulin, and many others. Ron was prolific at listening to a recording and sitting down and writing the exact accordion score through sheet music. His soul will be remembered always in my daily prayers. RIP, Ron.