Jacqueline “Jackie” Leah Smith passed away in Great Falls surrounded by family on the afternoon of February 1, 2021 after many years battling with cancer. She was 60 years old.
Jackie was born in Helena on October 12, 1960 to Jack and Anne (Wells) Black. Anne used to babysit Jackie’s cousin, Laurie Logan, and when they were little, they would ride together in the storage compartment behind the back seat of Anne’s Volkswagen beetle when driving to town. She graduated from Helena High School in 1979 and soon after married the love of her life, Kent, in 1984 at the Canyon Ferry Church (which is now the Montana Learning Center). They were together for 42 years and married for 37 years and had three children: Tony, Kellie, and Tanner.
Jackie was the pillar of her family and was the one who held it together, regardless of whatever was happening in her or her growing and challenging children’s lives. In addition to her family, she had a strong love for horses, her dogs, and her cats. Jackie lovingly made all of her children and grandchildren ornaments for Christmas every year capturing a special event from the year prior, whether it be good or bad, and always brought laughs and happy memories. Jackie was a homemaker and seamstress often found at the sewing machine repairing or making clothing for her husband, children, grandchildren or herself. In addition, she was also a creative artist and crafter. Jackie also had a special interest in the history of Helena, especially the haunted history, going on haunted Helena tours with family and friends. Jackie would bring the ladies in her family together every month for brunch.
Over the years Jackie worked at various jobs as a grocery store clerk at Buttery’s and Thriftway, a waitress at several local restaurants including Toi’s Thai where she developed a lasting friendship with Toi who owned the restaurant. Jackie worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield doing administrative work and retired after 21 years. Most recently she worked at Fort Harrison Veterans Administration connecting veterans to medical services and later in the medical records department.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents Jack Black and Anne Pierce, stepmother Villetta Black as well as her dear friends Ellen Port and Trace Radley.
She is survived by: her husband Kent, brother Scott (Kym) Black of Billings, children Tony (Lyndsay) Smith, Kellie (Justin) Knapp, and Tanner (Briana) Smith, all of Helena. Nieces Kansys (Dylan) Clouse and Kennedy Black of Billings, grandchildren Reinah and Bennie Knapp and Tazen and Elli Smith of Helena. She also recently connected with her unknown half-siblings Connie Davis of Austin, TX and Dave Knoble of Portland, OR.
A memorial service will be held February 20th at 1:00 P.M. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Jackies name are suggested to: The Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or Helena Horse Rescue, 4546 Lincoln Road West, Helena, MT 59602.
For anyone unable to attend, the service will be broadcasted to our site and can be watched at any time.
.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Saturday February 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday February 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Saturday February 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday February 20, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Lori Cole says
Jackie Smith, you are the best person Kent could have with your endless love. The hardest working mom I will ever know in my life. Freindship that never ends as I read your note I received last week. Deeply sadden as you reached the top of the stairway to heaven. Hugs to Kent and kids. She was an angel 😇.
Karen Moffitt says
Jackie you will be missed as there are so many memories of you in my life. You gave such a brave fight for your family. Dan and I will keep an eye on Kent and the kids.
Julie Mikula says
Jackie, you are the bravest person I know. Kent and the kids were lucky to have you in their lives. You did so many fun things for them and your grand kids. I remember you being so excited finding Christmas ornaments for the kids and putting your personal touches on them. I might have to start that tradition for my own kids. I imagine you are up riding the heaven skies with Otie. I’ll miss you and think of you always.
Miranda Garding says
Kent, Tony, Kellie, and Tanner… I’m heartbroken to hear of Jackie’s passing. I will remember her by her calming/peaceful presence and kind smile. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Brenda Deyerle says
I was very sadden to hear of Jackie’s passing. I am so honored to have been able to work with Jackie We had great times together at Blue Cross. My prayers go out to the family.
Coleen Zeigler says
My thoughts and prayers are with Kent and family, Jackie was the sweetest and strongest person I know, I worked with her at Blue Cross and the VA, She will be missed.
Rod Daughetee says
I am without words at the moment, which is unusual. Jacque is a kind person, fighter, mother and wife. I am so grateful to have know her… On behalf of our family, we will miss you. Prayers for your family. Rod, Derinda, and Willow.
Lynn Knight says
Jackie was the kindest and most gentle person I have known. You were a fighter, and will be missed.
Colleen Moser Teberg says
Kent, I am so sorry to hear about Jackie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mari & Ed Williams says
Kent, Tony, Kellie and Tanner – Ed and I share in your loss of beautiful Jackie. She fought so bravely the hardest fight for so long. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this most difficult of times. We love you and are here for you all. Rest in peace dear Jackie ❤️
Love Mari & Ed Williams
and family
Sandy Burke says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I always remember how strong Jackie was. She will be missed by all.
Vicki Kirtley says
Kent, Tony, Kellie and Tanner;
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jackie was a great person and will live on in our memories forever. My heartfelt condolences.
Kathy Crawford says
So sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing. My Condolences And prayers goes out to her family.
She was such a sweet gal she will deeply missed.
Sunni Taylor says
Family of Jackie,
Im so incredibly sorry to hear about Sweet Jackie. You are all in my thoughts. She will be so missed.
Bridget Castle says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. God bless.
Bridger Veterinary Hospital says
To all of Jackie’s family,
We want you to know that we’re thinking of you and we are so sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing.
Jackie had been with us for years and never have we met a nicer person. We know how much
You will miss her, but remember she knows how much you love her.
From all your friends at Bridger Veterinary
Kim and Terry Stubby says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie’s beautiful family.
I had the honor of working with Jackie at BCBSMT. I was so impressed with her love for her family and know how very proud she was of all of them.
Jackie had a huge heart and we all benefited from knowing her.
Connie (Sands) Jerome says
Sending prayers to Jackie’s family.
I knew Jackie in our high school years and beyond high school.
I think we worked together at Montana Power.
She was a sweet person, and had a gentle spirit about her.
I’m sorry for your loss, RIP dear Jackie.
Kelly Baraby says
It is sad to read about Jackie, it seems yesterday that we were in school and being kids. She was a sweet & gentle spirit. Hugs to all who loved her. <3
Debbie Hurni says
I am sad to read of Jackies passing. I have known her & Kent for many years. Our kids grew up together & I worked with Jackie at BCBS. She was a very kind lady & talented in so many ways. Kent, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
God bless
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
I worked with Jackie at BCBS, she was a fun and very nice person with a beautiful smile. I am so sorry she has passed, I can say she has left this world a better place because she was in it.
Sexton Group Construction says
We were so sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing. We pray all the great memories help in the healing process.