On the morning of March 22nd, Stan Smith peacefully passed away from natural causes in his hometown of Fort Benton, Montana.  He was 93 years old. A Celebration of Life will be held June19 @ 3pm in the Geraldine High School Gymnasium, reception following.

Stan was born in Fort Benton on August 8th, 1927.  He was the oldest of 7 children.  Stan was a proud husband, father of 4 children, grandfather of 15, and a great-grandfather of 20 with one on the way...A family he was most proud of!

Stan married his sweetheart Janis Nelson on January 1, 1954...a union lasting 67 years!  Stan served in the US Navy during World War II.  He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ranger.  After returning, he began his college education at Western Montana College while also playing football for the Bulldogs.  He earned degrees in both elementary and secondary education from Western, which led him to a teaching experience in several country schools. One near Malta and two others in Chouteau County (Apple & Nelson).  Following his country school experience, he and Jan moved to the city (Geraldine) in 1958 to continue his teaching career.  His teaching experience includes the English classroom as well as numerous coaching duties (football, gymnastics, speech & drama, and numerous sponsoring duties).  In 1963, he entered the Montana State University Masters program while receiving his administrative endorsement in 1965.  His master degree earned him the title of principal and ultimately superintendent of Geraldine schools for 17 years. He loved Geraldine... but even more, the opportunities he had to work with students, staff, and community were some of his favorite memories.  After 30 years in education, he retired in 1982.  During his time as a superintendent, Stan also was very happy to work as a crop insurance adjuster during the summers.  This led into Stan and Jan starting their own crop insurance business in 1985, S-n-J Insurance, a business both were very proud of and continues on with their daughter Jodi.

Throughout his life, Stan was actively involved in many organizations and causes to promote the welfare of the community and especially the younger generation.  These included City Council, Kiwanis, United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 102, Square Butte Rod & Gun Club, Geraldine Action Committee and Pool Board.  Also, under Stan's guidance and leadership, a new school building was built, which opened during the 1972-73 school year, he was very proud of this accomplishment and had a special place in his heart for that school.

Stan's most cherished moments were time spent with family.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his wife and four children and ultimately many of his grandkids.  He loved Square Butte and the Shonkin Mountains which is where he taught us all how to hunt, fish and camp.  He fondly reflected on these experiences throughout his life, and we have so many wonderful memories of those times.  Stan was also an accomplished carpenter; he and Jan built their own home together in Geraldine and have lived there since 1980.

Stan was preceded in death by his father and mother (Alex and Tressa), brothers (Bernie and Clyde), sister (Vera), and an infant daughter (Michelle).

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 67 years, Jan, four children, Patty (Chuck) Butler of Helena, Tony (Twyla) Smith of Corvallis, Kevin (Paula) Smith of Helena and Jodi (Bryan) Duvall of Geraldine. Grandchildren, Korrie, Jeff, Erin, Marcee, Kellie, Kasey, Tisha, Matt, Brittany, Bobbi, Brooke, Brett, Tayler, Korbin and Brady and 20 great grandchildren. Brother, Floyd Smith and Sisters, Lorna McKelvy and Myrna Jameson, along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Benton Funeral home is handling arrangements. The family would like to express their gratitude to VA Home Health and MRMC staff for taking care of Stan over the past 18 months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Geraldine Ambulance/Fire Department or the Chouteau County Deadman foundation.  Please visit www.bentonfh.com to offer condolence to the family or to share a memory of Stan.