Judith 'Judy' Smith, 88

Judith "Judy" Smith, 88, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 30, at her daughter's home in Lolo. She had been living at the Clark Fork Riverside senior residence up until two days before her death.

Judy was born in Moccasin to Earl and Bertha Williamson on Jan. 28, 1918, and graduated from Moccasin High School. She attended business college in Helena for a short time.

In 1939, she married Walter Smith, her husband of 62 years. During most of their marriage they lived in Libby, where they raised their three children.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker who often expressed her satisfaction with these roles. She was a talented pianist and Hammond organist, and taught many piano pupils over the years. She was a longtime pianist for the Assembly of God church in Libby and also belonged to an organ club composed of Libby organists.

Her husband, Walter, also was a talented musician, and together they taught their children to sing and play instruments. Making music was a daily part of family life. For 25 years Judy and Walter, known as the Walt and Judy Swing Band, played for dances at various events and venues throughout western Montana. Walt played guitar, steel guitar, banjo and mandolin, while Judy played piano and Hammond organ. They played often in Libby, Polson, Kalispell and for the Missoula Senior Citizen's Center Friday night dances, giving countless hours of joy to all who had the privilege to hear and dance to their music.

Judy and Walt loved to fish together, especially on Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River. They also bowled together for many years in a doubles league. Judy loved to read and garden.

Three years after Walter's death, Judy moved to the Clark Fork Riverside senior residence in Missoula to be closer to her two daughters. She made many wonderful friends and was put to work immediately entertaining at the piano.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; a brother, Kenneth Williamson; and a sister, Donna Byrer.

Judy is survived by daughter, Sharon Scott and her husband, Jim, of Lolo; daughter Nita Hamilton Smith of Missoula; son Tony Smith and wife, Peggy, of Troy; grandson Jim Scott, and wife, Jenny, of Missoula; grandson Scott Botchek and wife, Samantha, of Eugene, Ore.; great-grandsons Jim Scott of Arizona and year-old Jacob Scott of Missoula; Walter's brother and wife, Everett and Ardie Smith of Hemet, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

At her request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

Local arrangements are by the Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.

The family deeply appreciates the kind and compassionate services of Hospice of Missoula, and suggests memorials be made to them.