Nicole Ashley Smithson, age 50, of Helena

In Loving Memory of

Nicole A. “Coey” Smithson

April 16, 1975 – August 1, 2025

Age 50

It is with the utmost deepest sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Nicole A. “Coey” Smithson, who died of natural causes on August 1, 2025, in Lincoln, Montana, at the age of 50.

Nicole was born on April 16, 1975, in Marietta, Georgia. Nicole was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother “Mimi”, and friend.

Nicole graduated from Lassiter High School in 1993 and went on to build a life rooted in family, creativity, and compassion.

On October 8, 2005, she married the love of her life, Ken S. Smithson in Helen, Georgia. Together, they raised a beautiful family, creating a home full of love, laughter, and enduring memories. They lived in Waleska, Georgia, with their children, Chandler and Kayleigh, until 2019, when the family moved to Helena, Montana, to be closer to Ken’s family. Nicole enjoyed the mild summers in Montana but absolutely despised the snowy winters.

Nicole worked at Respironics (Philips) as a Quality Analyst from 2002 to 2010. After the birth of her daughter, Kayleigh, she left her career in 2010 to fulfill her cherished dream of becoming a devoted stay-at-home mom – a role she embraced with pride and joy. Being a mother was her greatest passion and becoming Mimi to her grandchildren brought her even more happiness.

Nicole was an avid scrapbooker who adored all things arts and crafts. She found joy and relaxation in scrapbook retreats with her close friends in both Georgia and Montana. In her spare time, she loved visiting ceramic and DIY wood/paint studios with her daughter and mother-in-law. While she wasn’t an outdoors person, she still enjoyed the occasional camping trip with Ken, Kayleigh, and extended family – always willing to be part of the adventure because of the people she loved.

She is survived by her husband, Ken S. Smithson, and their children: Chandler McClusky, Kayleigh Smithson, and Dillon Smithson. She was a devoted and adoring Mimi to Sarah Smithson and Tobias Smithson.

Nicole is also survived by her parents, Bill (Wanda) Phillips and Sybil (Johnny) Oliver; her siblings, Kim (Brett) Clark and Brad Phillips; and a host of extended family members and close friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Nicole was known for her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness, making her one of the most special human beings to ever walk this Earth. She was one of the good ones. She had a smile that could light up a room, and her inner child was always shining through, bringing joy, laughter, and a lightheartedness that lifted everyone around her. Nicole was the love of her husband’s and daughter’s life – their constant, their heart, and their safe place.

Nicole’s home was wherever her heart was. She was the most thoughtful person and one of the kindest souls in this world. A few of her favorite things in life were the beach, her grape-purple Jeep, her collection of owls, Corgi dogs, cardinals, and the beautiful azalea blooms of the Georgia springtime – each bringing her joy in their own special way.

She had a rare gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved deeply. Her presence brought comfort, her laughter lifted spirits, and her love was a constant source of strength to those lucky enough to know her.

Nicole “Coey” Smithson will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished in our hearts.