Maribeth G. Smith, age 77, of Helena, passed away Friday, February 15, 2013 at a local care facility.
On August 16, 1935, Maribeth was welcomed into the world by parents Arden and Ethel Grandy of East Helena, Montana. After graduating from Helena High School in 1953 she attended Montana State University in Missoula where she studied Biological Sciences. After wedding her college sweetheart, Curtis Smith of Malta, MT in September of 1958, they started a family, becoming the proud parents of four children. Throughout the 1960’s and ‘70s they moved their brood all over the country, living in Virginia, Alaska, Wisconsin, and California, before returning to Montana, and eventually settling once again in Helena. She even toured Germany with her sister Arden. Maribeth and Curtis divorced in 1985. She worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana from 1985 until 1994, in the Medicare Division.
Maribeth was very intelligent and embraced learning throughout her life. Her intellectual curiosity ranged from ancient Egypt to genome mapping. She started taking classes from Carroll College while working at BC/BS. She graduated from Carroll College in 1996 with a BA in Health Information Management. She worked at the VA at Fort Harrison as a medical coder.
In her leisure time she pursued her passion for arts and crafts- she tried oil painting and also became accomplished at stained glass. Card making became her favorite activity after retirement, and her family and friends were treated to the fruits of her labors. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and British comedies. She was avid gardener, especially of Irises, and a marvelous cook, although there is a running joke that the first meatloaf she made as a newlywed was used as a doorstop. She also loved to just sit and talk with her family over a cup of coffee. An animal lover, especially of dogs, the family always seemed to have an Airedale. She also had a very witty sense of humor, one that has been passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was strong-minded and raised all of her children to think for themselves.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Arden Hill and Esther Cox, and daughter Shauna. She is survived by sister Carol (Barney) Sedlacek of Morgan Hill, CA; brothers Jon (Colleen) Grandy and Louis Grandy of Helena; sister Doris Grandy of Great Falls; sons Edmond Smith of Missoula and Scott (Jackie)Smith of Helena; daughter Holly Smith of Missoula; and three magnificent and spoiled grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Special thanks to the wonderful people at Aspen Garden, Cooney Rehab and Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital. Memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society by going to www.cancer.org.
A Gathering of Friends and Family to celebrate Maribeth’s life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday February 21, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday February 21, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Gail DeBono says
I’m going to miss Maribeth so much. She always had a smile and sparkle in her eye when she came to the pharmacy. She was such a special person and I will remember her always. I’m giving her a final hug in my heart.
Carol Bridge says
I will very much miss Maribeth and our small road trips to diagnostic imaging. She was such a love and never complained. I was very surprised to learn that I had worked with her son, Scott and got to see her daughter and niece when they came to the Cancer Treatment Center. She was a wonderful person. It was an honor to serve her in all ways during her treatment. God Bless you all. Carol Bridge, Volunteer Cancer Treatment Center
Dennis & Darlene Abeyta says
I saw Maribeth at St Petes when waiting for a HATS bus. I had a nice visit with her. I am sad she is gone but not forgotten. I worked with her at BCBS. She had such a good sense of humor. God Bless all the family.
Yvonne Corbett Powers says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Sally (Vogt) Barney says
I first met Maribeth at Synadelphic where we lived on U of M campus. We both met our husbands at the Royaleer square dance club. She and I also worked at the campus switchboard.The 1st summer Gene and I were married in ’59,we were stationed at the Bowdoin NWR at Malta & “Myrt” and Curt were on the Smith ranch that summer so we got together often. We had some adventures helping to butcher the 100 fryers they were raising and traveling to Zortman & Landusky on day. Back in Missoula, Gene and I actually babysat Shauna one day.We also were transferred around the country but did visit them in Msla. a couple of times. In 1982 she and I joined others back in VA for a Synadelphic reunion. She and I and Gene sat together at Barbara (Lytle) Horton’s funeral. Sympathies.
Cheryl Smith says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Maribeth’s family. I enjoyed visiting with Maribeth when she came to the Cancer Treatment Center for her treatments. She was always very upbeat and I enjoyed her sense of humor. I was blessed to get to know her. Maribeth was one of my favorites. Cheryl Smith, Volunteer at St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center
Carla Sturn says
I have so many memorable times tucked away in my “rememory” of Maribee! Right from the start when we first met she was so easy to get to know with her quick, warm smile and sparkling eyes and funnisms. After dinner out one evening early on when we first met she mused … “With these few bites and early breakfast I might make it.” And referring to a misbehaving person… “He needs the slack taken out of him in big jerks”. She was always making me laugh and we entertained each other with our latest jewelry finds. I will cherish my Myrt creations (cards and memory book she made me). Maribeth was a true friend- loving, kind and non-judgemental. What a blessed family you are to have had such a special mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, etc. She will be greatly missed. I wish for all of you great peace that transends all understanding.
Bonnie Isaak says
I was saddened to hear about Merts passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I was able to see her. I will miss her laugh and hugs. Wish i would have been able to see her one last time. My thought and prayers are with family. God Bless
Roberta Braun Smith says
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of my dear cousin. I had not seen her since I was a young girl and she was in college. I remember her with fondness . My father, Arden, and my mother, Dorothy, were siblings. My thoughts are with her family.