We lost a husband, father, son, nephew, brother, and friend, Richard Smith Jr., also known as Rick, Ricky, or Cheech, on June 13, 2025. He left an undeniable mark on every person who knew him.
Rick was born to Deb Petek and Rick Smith Sr. on April 16, 1977. Cheech grew up in East Helena and loved playing football and running track for Helena High School. While attending HHS, he met Amy Chesley, his rock. Rick and Amy welcomed Jazmyn on August 7, 1998 and soon after came Cori on May 25, 2000. Anyone who knew Rick, knew that his family was his entire world. He loved to take them fishing, watch Jazzy and Cori’s basketball games, and spend time relaxing with his family in the Montana wilderness.
After his daughters flew from the nest, Rick along with his wife Amy, spent much of their weekends bowling, golfing, and riding in the mountains on ATV’s with their best friends Matt and Sam Gluth. Rick and Matt were known as “Mac and Cheech”, becoming inseparable. Between all the inside jokes and game-night packed weekends, is a bond shared between two chosen brothers, which will never be tarnished or forgotten. Rick lived a life he loved, full of activities and people he adored, jokes that will live on through those who were close to him, and sublime memories of his beautiful family.
Rick is survived by his wife, Amy Smith and daughter Jazmyn (Gabe) Walsh, his mother, Deb Petek, father Rick Smith Sr, grandfather Peter Petek, and many more loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. Rick is preceded in death by his daughter Cori Smith, maternal grandmother Catherine Petek, paternal grandmother Norma Smith, and paternal grandfather Willis Smith.
We invite all who knew or loved Rick to join us in a ceremony of remembrance at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Friday, June 20th at 1pm, where we will share a taco bar, snack, stories, laughter, and tears, just as Ricky would have wished.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Friday June 20, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Friday June 20, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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Windy Knutson says
Amy and Jazmyn,
I’m so sorry to see this. My heart goes out to both of you! Please know I am here if you need anything ear.
Love you both!
Windy
Tawny says
I’m so sorry! I have no words. Prayers to both of you.
Shaun Peterson says
I enjoyed hunting with Ricky and his Dad Rick back in the day. So very sorry for your loss. I’m out of state until Saturday, so unfortunately I will miss the memorial. My prayers are with you both. 🙏❤️
Tim Branham says
My family very much enjoyed meeting Rick when he came to visit us here in South Carolina.
Rebecca Swonson says
Rick is the one classmate I remember that always made me feel accepted and “part of”. Rick, you will be so missed. I was looking forward to seeing both of you at our reunion. I wish you were going to be there.
Larry Brown says
Amy I am so very sorry to hear this. You and Rick had become friends over business. Our prayers are with you and you family. God bless.
Chelsey petek says
I love you!
Maggi Navarro says
My favorite memory I have of Rick is giving Cori and Chloe a ride home from school in his IROC (I think that was what his cool car was) with classic rock and roll blaring!
There are no words to say, Amy and Jazmyn…just know you two are always in my heart and thoughts.
-Maggi
Teresa Graham says
Amy and Jazmyn, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you both .
Teresa
Renee Crawford says
Amy and Jazmyn, No words can express the sadness of your loss. I will continue keeping you and your family in my heart and prayers. Hugs Renee Crawford
Jonathan Smith says
I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I can’t be there right now with you all. Rick will always have a special place in my heart. I can’t even begin to express my sorrow and regret at missed opportunities to reach out to him to talk or spend some time together.