Caroline E. Smith

Caroline Elenore Smith, 84, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at St. Patrick Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 4, 1930, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to John and Barbara Filipi. Her dad passed away when she was 4 years old. Her mother was remarried to Paul Dolechek and the family moved to Laurel. She attended school through eighth grade. Eventually, she obtained her GED in 1985 at age 55, something she was very proud to accomplish.

She met her husband, Frank Smith, at church. They married Nov. 16, 1948, in Laurel at St. Anthony's Church. They raised their three daughters, Jeanetta, Janetta and Janet together in Laurel.

Caroline was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She treasured the holidays that brought everyone together. For many years she and Frank enjoyed spending winters in Missoula with Janetta's and Janet's families, and summers at their cabin on Jeane's dude ranch near Big Timber, where Caroline stayed busy helping with the Sunday laundry and the weekly breakfast ride on the Boulder River.

Her faith in the Catholic Church was very important to her. She prayed the rosary daily and attended church weekly. She always prayed to the saints for loving guidance and support.

She had many friends throughout the years and enjoyed her time with all of them. In her younger years, she and Frank would go dancing and out to dinner. They had many friends including neighbors, guests at the dude ranch, and fellow mall-walkers at Southgate Mall where they met for coffee at Hoagieville.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Frank Smith of Missoula; her daughters, Jeanetta (Steve) Aller of Big Timber, Janetta (Jerry) Brewer and Janet (Tim) Roy, both of Missoula; her grandchildren, Jordan Aller, Zeb Brewer, Reed (Hilary) Aller, Chelsea (Anthony) Wells and Breanna Roy; four great-granddaughters, PJ, Aley, Zoey and Avery; her sister Arvella (Jim) Emineth, and her sister-in-law Marlene Dolechek, both of Laurel. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, stepfather and brother Elmer Dolechek.

A private family vigil/rosary will be held Friday evening. There will be a funeral Mass held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church with the Rev. Michael Drury officiating, and a reception following in the Parish Center. Burial will take place at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Read Caroline Smith's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.