On the evening of July 20, 2014 Amelia Frances Smith, 96 years old, passed away at Northeast Montana Health Services from a massive brain aneurysm, which she suffered on the morning of July 5th, with her family constantly at her side.
Amelia was born in Roundup, MT on August 21, 1917 to Frank and Theresa Spindler. Amelia was preceded in death by her husband David and infant son, 3 brothers William and Donald Bridges, Frank Spindler, and 2 sisters Theresa Spindler Carson and Kathryn Spindler Denny Grainger. The family moved to the Poplar area when Amelia was about four years old. She went to school at the Ft. Peck Indian School, completing the 8th grade.
She acquired 20 head of cows where she ran them in the “timber along the Missouri River”. One day in 1935 when she was out looking for the cows, Amelia came across a truck stuck in the mud. The driver, who became the love of her life David Jordan Smith, said, “Bub, go find Harry and tell him where I’m stuck at.” Dave and Amelia were married June 1, 1938.
David and Amelia farmed and ranched in the Poplar area where they raised six children: Barbara(Eugene) Smith, Catherine(Larry-Boots) Kohl, Frank(Clairena) Smith, Raymond(Shirley) Smith, Cecil(Jim Ann) Smith, Marlene( William Keeler) Smith.
Amelia had 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 15 great great grandchildren. She was proud of each and every one!
Services will be at the Presbyterian Church in Poplar on July 28th 6-8 pm and July 29th 11 am with burial to follow at the Poplar Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.
vann mitchell says
Sorry for your lose. Our blessings and prayers are extended for the Smith family.
Geoff Hagadone says
My thoughts and prayers to the Smith family. I was honored to have known fritz and the family for many years! She was a great woman and will be missed by many! Will see you again someday Fritz!
Shawn Marie says
We spent many a summer day with Grandma Frances’ house as our base for our adventures. I am not sure if she enjoyed us running in and out or not, but I always felt very welcomed there. When we were home for the 4th of July, I was blessed enough to be able to sit and visit a bit and to just enjoy that sweet Grandma smile and her soft hands. My thoughts are with the entire family as I know how hard it is to lose the person who has always been there. Stay strong and be solid for each other…Family. Much love, Shawn Marie
Chuck Trinder says
Sorry for your loss. She was one of the nicest women that I knew. She was a devoted mother that raised great kids. God bless her and watch over her.
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Frank and family:
Our prayers are with you and the family.
jeanne reinlasoder says
my condolences to the family. I will miss auntie very much. Frances was like a second mother to me. the family is in all my prayers and thoughts love you all