Betty Anne Smith

Betty Anne Smith passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024

Born in Anaconda, MT on November 30, 1933, to parents Robert and Lillie Mae Dixon, Betty had a happy childhood growing up in Plains and Ovando, Montana. High school days were especially happy, carefree, and fun. Some of her fondest memories were her summer jobs during college working on a dude ranch and as a solo forest service fire lookout.

She held a master’s degree in education from the University of Montana, Missoula, and taught Home Economics and Typing in Polson, Frenchtown, and Missoula. She taught for 25 years, having the second longest teaching career in Missoula at the time of her retirement.

Betty met Bill Smith after college graduation. They were married September 7, 1957, and were a devoted couple until his passing in 2008. The joy of her life was their son Robert Smith, and she was comforted by the fact that she lived with him and her daughter-in-law, Liz, for the last years of her life.

Aside from her teaching career, Betty was also proud of the years she spent as the Superintendent of Culinary Arts Exhibition for the Missoula County Fair. She had a long full and rich life with many friends and activities that she loved. Betty was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ, and all who love her will remember her for her kind spirit and generous heart. She was a beautiful person who will be sorely missed.

Betty is survived by her son, Robert Smith (Liz), sister Roberta Hatlestad (Buryl), granddaughters Annie Harris (Zeb) and Samantha Kollmeyer (Kit), great grandchildren Ben, Libby, and Louie, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Betty is resting in peace next to her husband Bill at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.