Rene Ann Smith (Berdine) peacefully passed away on November 13, 2018 at the age of 76 years, with her family around her. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Ronald Smith of 56.5 years. She is lovingly remembered by her children Christopher Smith, Cheryl Glenn, Carolyn Jones and Curtis Smith. Also by her grand-children Jessica Hutchison, Olivia Jones, Blake Smith, Connor Jones, Peyton Jones, Piper Jones, Teagun Glenn and Sterling Glenn. As well as, great grandchildren, Nikolas and Sawyer Weber, Brynlee and Brody Hutchison, and Dustin and Tucker Smith. She will be missed by her brothers Jimmy and Ralph Berdine, Larry Magee, and her sister Kathy Yada.
Rene was born in Woonsocket, South Dakota on June 15 of 1942. She was the oldest of seven children. Rene and her family lived in Mitchell, South Dakota in her early years. Where she enjoyed running track and twirling. Before and after school she worked in her parent’s restaurant. They later moved to Missoula, MT, where she enjoyed going to school with her sister Bonnie. Rene was involved in a lot of high school activities including Pep Club, Speech, Dramatics and Twirling. She graduated from Loyola Sacred Heart High School. Soon after she met and married Ron Smith on June 15, 1961. They moved to Oakland, California where they began their family with the birth of Christopher, and then Cheryl. After moving to Hayward, California they added Carolyn and Curtis to their family. Soon after Curtis was born they returned to Helena, Montana where they found their forever home.
Rene loved children and wanted to help with the household expenses. She wanted to do something that would still enable her to be home for her own children after school. She decided to start an in-home daycare. It really took off through personal referrals and she stayed in business for over 30 years. When her father in law passed away she took up bartending at the family bar, helping Ron run and manage Smith’s Place in East Helena for many years. She was active in church, “Here and There” club and the Elks Club. She was a member of competitive bowling league team for many years. During this time Ron and Rene made 3 trips to Europe, visiting Yugoslavia with an entourage of friends and family in tow.
After Ron’s retirement, Rene went to work at the State of Montana in the mail room. She earned the Governor’s Excellence Award, presented to her by the Governor. She worked her way up to trainer. She enjoyed training the college kids that came to work part time during tax season. After ten years she joined her husband in retirement and they enjoyed traveling to see their grandchildren. They also went on several cruises and hosted and attended many polka events. She loved to show love by cooking, baking and throwing parties for groups of many people.
A Reception and Celebration of Rene’s life will be held at the East Helena Fire Hall on June 21, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday June 21, 2019
East Helena Fire Hall
306 East Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday June 21, 2019
East Helena Fire Hall
306 East Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Rhonda Simmons says
My brother and I were some of the neighborhood kids Rene watched. She was always kind, years later remembered me, and made a lasting impression on me as well. I’ll miss seeing her on occasion. Sorry for your loss.