Terrence Joseph Smith

RONAN — Terrence Joseph Smith, 61, died of natural causes March 18, 2006, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Terry was born in Corvallis, Ore., March 8, 1945, to Helen Louise Mitchell and Lavon Albert Simons. He was also raised by stepfathers Johnny Sloan and Duard Rossmiller, who considered him a son.

TJ, as he was known by all, proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from Jan. 11, 1963 to Jan. 10, 1969. He was stationed in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. He continued his worldwide adventure by working in the oil industry five years in Indonesia, living in Singapore, and working in Sumatra. TJ worked in oil field all over the world as a driller and toolpusher. He also spent some time in the trucking industry.

TJ married Myrna Solomon and helped raise her four children, Tonna, Todd, Trena and Douglas. They divorced in 1976.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helena Rossmiller, father and stepfathers.

He is survived by his wife Peggy of Ronan and her four children, her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a daughter, Lisa (Lance) Ballantyne of Shelby; two grandchildren, Brandon and Chase; sisters Sharron (Don) Hilton of Bellingham, Wash., Debra (Mark) Pugh of Shelby; brother John Sloan of Bellingham; two half-sisters, Sandra and Launa; four half-brothers, Larry, Lamont, Lawrence and Lane Simons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His friends and family will miss his great sense of humor and his endless storytelling ability. Nieces and nephews and other family members fondly remember the practical jokes he loved to play on them. TJ had a special fondness for animals. Those who knew him well, beyond his rough exterior, found a generous, loving man who would help you with anything.

Military graveside services and memorial will be held at a later date. Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.