Gerald C. 'Jerry' Smith

CHARLO — Gerald C. "Jerry" Smith died of cancer Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at St. Luke Community Hospital.

Jerry was born March 28, 1926, to Clarence and Lillian Smith in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was the oldest of eight siblings. He lived in Michigan until inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944 to serve in World War II in the Philippine Theater. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After returning from the war, Jerry moved to Columbia Falls to work on Hungry Horse Dam. There he met his wife of 55 years, Lorelie Pollard. After getting married they moved to Charlo, where they raised seven children and currently resided.

He is survived by his loving wife and their seven children, Gerald (Pamela) of Noxon, Greg (Kim) of Charlo, Debbie (Dana) Thingelstad of Ronan, Steve (Leslie) of Ronan, Lana (Bill) Bartel of Ronan, Don of Charlo and Claude (Cindy) of Charlo; 21 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a daughter, Vicki Devries of Grand Rapids, Mich., from a previous marriage.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father and three siblings.

Family and friends gathered Nov. 5 at Faith Lutheran Church, Ronan.

Arrangements were under the care of Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Luke Community Hospital Foundation, 107 Sixth Ave. SW, Ronan, MT 59864.Helen Irene