Penni Jo Smith, 72

Penni Jo Smith, 72, passed away Dec. 31, 2019, at home from multiple myeloma cancer. She was born June 6, 1947, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Jerry and Mabel Metz.

Penni left Colorado at the age of 17 to elope with her true love Gary Smith, who joined the military. They started their life together with a pair of $17 wedding rings and two paper bags full of clothes.

For 53 years, they traveled the globe together, finally putting down roots in Troy. Since 1990, they called Milnor Lake their home. They made it an amazing place for their kids to live and visit over the years. Penni’s passions included bowling, fishing, horseback riding and card playing. She had several four-legged friends along the way, including horses, “Doc and Flicker,” and many dogs: Traveler, Gypsy, Mittens, Clancy, Little Bits, Tazz, Socks, Bandit, Petey, Callie, Rocket and Happy. Her love of animals was her pride. She always spoiled them rotten.

Survivors include her children, Tami Hales, Gary Smith and Brian Smith, and grandkids, Roshae’, Frankie, Abigail, Benjamin and Maddy.

Any donations, upon her request, should be sent to Kootenai Pets for life in her memory. Penni’s memorial service will be in the spring, when she and her husband, Gary, will be placed together once again in their family plot at Milnor Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.