Rae L. Smith passed away on the snowy morning of January 22, 2021, at the age of 86. Rae was born in Chinook, MT to Al and Ruth (Parker) Gessford on October 25, 1934. Rae was number ten of thirteen children in the family. In 1942 the family moved to East Helena where her father worked at the smelter, later they moved into Helena.
Rae and Fritz Smith were married on February 8, 1959, they had 58 years together. They never had children, however in 1960 they got their first dog, and were never without one. Rae worked many years in an office, and her last employer was the State of Montana with the Department of State Lands, where she retired after 25 years of faithful service. Fritz passed away on June 9th, 2017, leaving Rae with her beloved dog Buddy.
Rae is survived by her dog Buddy, her brother-in-law Larry and sister-in-law Sandy Smith. Numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Fritz, her parents, eight sisters and four brothers.
A graveside service will be held at Montana State Veterans cemetery on Thursday, January 28, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society or to a donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday January 28, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday January 28, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Helena, Montana 59636
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Allen Stenhjem Family says
GOD BLESS RAE WHO WILL BE NOT FORGOTTEN TO ALL WHO CROSSED RAE AND FRITZ,S TRAIL ………………..
ALLEN & GLENDA
Jim and Sally (Russell) Wilcox says
Sorry to hear of Rae’s passing. She was a very sweet lady. She is now back with Fritz. Great people.
Constance M Cole says
I worked for several years with Rae at the Department of State Lands. She was always extremely patient with a know-nothing young kid fresh out of school. She always had a smile on her face and we enjoyed spending time with Fritz at office get togethers. I hope his welcoming arms greeted her.
Tommy Butler says
I had the pleasure of working with Rae at the Montana Department of State Lands. Rae worked in the Agriculture and Grazing Bureau. Her cheerful attitude endeared her not only to the Staff, but to the Montana Farmers and Ranchers she dealt with on a daily basis as State Lessees. There were over 10,000 Agricultural Lessees, and Rae was familiar with the history of most of them. Many of the Lessees came into the Office to pay their grazing rent and file their annual reports just to have the congenial experience of visiting face-to-face with her. Rae was a very special person.
Victoria L Glass says
I was privileged to be trained by Rae at the State Lands Department and when she retired I had the honor of taking her position. She was a great friend and lady. I know she will be missed by her loved ones. Sleep until you’re resurrection. John 5:28 & 29
William "Billy" Tobias says
I was so very sorry to hear of “Aunt” Rae’s passing yesterday. Her bright smile and good humor always made me happy. I treasure the memories our last lunch together a few years ago. May her gentle spirit walk in God’s perpetual light…
Jackie Lloyd says
Sorry to hear about Rae. Fritz was a good friend of my husband George Lloyd. Bless them both in heaven.
David & Teri Gilbert says
We had the pleasure meeting both Rae and Fritz several years ago. Found out that we were related thru a marriage. Had the best time with them playing cards. Always joking around. So happy that Fritz will be with Rae again. They both were wonderful people and will be missed.
Cris Tobias says
I was saddened to hear of “aunt” Rae’s passing. She was a shining light in a sometimes dark world. I will always cherish the wonderful times we had with her and uncle Fritz at the family reunions in Lincoln MT. The good food, the grand card games and the great companionship. From the thoughts and memories of all those who posted here she will be greatly missed. We’ll see again, the sparkle of her smile in the bright blue sky, feel the warmth of her love in the summer sun and hear her laughter in the bubbling of the mountain streams.
Caswell B, Trevor S, Gavin T says
Ray was a wonderful lady and a great person to work with. She always treated us with the upmost care and we were deeply saddened by learning about her passing today.
She always had diet Coke’s ready for us when we were done working so today we will have one in her memory.
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