Barbara Alice Smith

Barbara Alice Smith, age 85, of Plentywood MT, passed away peacefully Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT. She was born on April 21, 1939, in Poplar, MT, the eldest child of the late David and Amelia Smith.

Growing up Barbara barrel raced in high school on a bay gelding named Dollar. They were quite the team, and Dollar won her a pair of silver spurs and several belt buckles throughout their high school rodeo career. After high school she attended college in Minneapolis, MN and trained to be a laboratory and radiographic technician. After college she went to work at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, until she married in 1960. They moved to Arizona for a short time, and after returning to Poplar she worked at the Community Hospital. She was divorced in 1967 ad continued working at the hospital and the USPH Clinic part time. On February 27, 1969, she married Eugene Smith, and she had her daughters, Virginia and Francine, moved to the farm west of Reserve, MT where they farmed and raised Charolais cattle and Arabian horses. Even while living out at the farm Barbara continued working part time as a technician until she eventually retired.

Barbara was a constant presence in her grandchildren's school activities and rarely missed a birthday party or holiday event. A fond memory for her was attending the circus in Westby, MT where her grandchildren talked her into riding an elephant with them.

Barbara also loved her pets dearly but had a soft spot for her Siamese cats. You could be sure to find her with one of her cats or dogs laying on her lap while she relaxed in her recliner.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Smith; two daughters, Francine Ward and Virginia Richardson; grandson, Robby Richardson; and her parents, David and Amelia Smith.

Barbara is survived by her five grandchildren, Kirstie (Brooke) Gilbertson of Williston, ND, Melissa Evanson of Plentywood, MT, Chase Evanson of Grand Forks, ND, Tess Bjorgen of Missouls, MT, and Jordan Bjorgen of Plentywood, MT; four great grandchildren, Breyson and Isla Gilbertson, Jameson and Seeley Evanson; two sisters Marlene Smith and Catherine Kohl; and three brothers, Frank Smith, Raymond Smith, and Cecil Smith. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held on at a later date.