Joan LaMae Smyth

– Joan LaMae Smyth, 86, of Missoula, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at Community Medical Center from complications of dementia. She was preceded in death by her late husbands Frank Rollins Smyth and Earl Foster; her daughter Florence Foley-Smyth son Starlaw Smyth; and sisters Eleanor Rodr and Lavonne Dahl.

Joan was born on Sept. 5, 1930, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Carl and Gertrude Johnson. As a young girl Joan lived on the Oregon coast with her family where she attended and graduated from high school.

On May 21, 1948, Joan married Frank Rollins Smyth who she met while working as a waitress in Eugene, Oregon. She and Frank moved to Montana in 1950 where later she worked as a Records Clerk for Deer Lodge County. Joan moved to Missoula to be with her children after the passing of her late husband Earl A. Foster. She was a member of the Mellowaires Choir in Missoula and the Eagles local chapter in Anaconda. She was also a parent volunteer for the Girl Scouts and an active member of the First Christian Church.

Joan was a loving, devoted, caring and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved children and all animals. She enjoyed UM Grizzly football, crocheting, music, singing, and all god's flowers. In her younger years, she enjoyed roller skating, camping, fishing, and the beautiful Montana scenery.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Smyth and son Thomas Smyth of Missoula; son Shane Smyth and daughter-in-law Tena Smyth of Anaconda; son-in-law Norman Medley of Missoula; and Marsha L. Kirchner of Missoula; grandchildren Christopher Smyth of Great Falls, Hannah and Zane Smyth of Anaconda, Nicole Hislop of Gillette, Wyoming; as well as seven great grandchildren.

A Memorial service to celebrate her wonderful life will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Burlington Square Community Room at 2420 Burlington Ave., Missoula. Cremation was held at Garden City Funeral Home.