Judy Smith

Judith "Judy" Smith, 88, of Missoula and formerly of Libby, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, at her daughter's home in Lolo.

She had been living at the Clark Fork Riverside senior residence until two days before her death.

Judy was born Jan. 28, 1918, in Moccasin to Earl and Bertha Williamson.

She graduated from Moccasin High School and attended business college in Helena.

In 1939, Judy married Walter Smith. During most of their 62-year marriage they lived in Libby, where they raised their three children.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker.

She also was a talented pianist and Hammond organist. She taught piano and was a longtime pianist for the Assembly of God Church in Libby. Judy also belonged to an organ club with Libby residents.

Her husband was a musician, and they taught their children to sing and play instruments. Making music was a daily part of family life.

For 25 years Judy and Walter were known as the Walt and Judy Swing Band, playing for dances 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 and Kalispell, and for the Missoula Senior Citizen's Center Friday night dances.

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 her husband's death, Judy moved to Clark Fork Riverside in Missoula to be closer to her daughters. She made many friends and entertained on the piano.

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

Judy is survived by daughters, Sharon Scott, and her husband, Jim, of Lolo, and Nita Hamilton Smith of Missoula; a son, Tony Smith and his wife, Peggy, of Troy; grandsons, Jim Scott, and his wife, Jenny, of Missoula, and Scott Botchek and his wife, Samantha, of Eugene, Ore.; great-grandsons Jim Scott of Arizona and Jacob Scott of Missoula; brother-in-law, Everett Smith, and his wife, Ardie, of Hemet, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Missoula.

Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula handled arrangements.