Claire L. Smith

Claire Leone Pendergress Smith, age 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank, MT.  As she wished, her body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at the Whitted Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.  Her ashes will be buried at Crown Hill Cemetery immediately following the servi

Claire was born on October 5, 1935 to Anna (Schulitz) and James Martin “Ted” Pendergress in Browning, MT.  She was raised in St. Mary, Babb, and Browning, graduating from Browning High School in 1953.

Claire married Robert W. (Bob) Smith of Cut Bank on November 15, 1955 in Cut Bank, MT.  They ran a successful farming and ranching operation for 60 years.

During her life, Claire was involved in the Tri-County Cowbelles, WIFE, Girl Scouts, coaching girl’s softball, and the chili cook-off.  She also bowled for many years on the Tuesday afternoon league and the Wednesday night league.  She also loved to play bridge and pitch.

Claire is survived by her husband Bob of Cut Bank, her daughter Pamela Armstrong-Withers of Cut Bank, her daughter Billiette (Greg) Brooks of Dillon, her 5 grandchildren Andria Smith Weiss of Missoula, Brandon (Jessa) Brooks of Whitefish, Bobbi-Jo (Patrick) Brooks Meuleman of Boise, ID, Coley (Lindsey) Armstrong of Mountlake Terrace, WA, Jacob (Jordan) Armstrong of Whitefish, her sister Mary Schnee of Great Falls, her brothers Jim of Jacksonville, FL and John of Redmond, WA.

Claire is also survived by her 6 great grandchildren:  Austin and Sophia Weiss, Gracie-Mae Brooks, Wyatt and Wayne Meuleman, and Gwendolyn Armstrong.

Claire was preceeded in death by her parents, her in-laws Esther and J.W. (Bill) Smith, her son Raleigh Robert Smith, her sister in law and brother in law Janice and Bill Carrington, her brother Pat Pendergress, her sister Caroline Pendergress O’Connell, and her son in law Dave Withers.

In addition, Claire is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Claire was a very dedicated farm and ranch wife who worked tirelessly without complaint.  She adored her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren, supporting their activities throughout her life.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Claire’s name to:

Cut Bank Trails                                   Kid Pack

P.O. Box 43                                        c/o CBEFAA

Cut Bank, MT  59427                         101 3rd Ave S.E.

Cut Bank, MT  59427