Smith, Frances Nappin

RONAN - Frances Nappin Smith, age 92, passed away quietly Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan of natural causes.

She was born March 16, 1916, in Peoria, Illinois , the daughter of George H. and Jessie S. Nappin. Her early years were spent in the Peoria, Illinois area. She married the love of her life, Rob Roy "Bob" Smith Nov. 3, 1939. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and upon his discharge in 1946, they moved to Box Elder, where he was the manager for the Cowan & Son General Merchandise Store. Together they purchased the store in 1962, and operated it as B & F Shopping Center until his death in 1964.

She then moved to Havre, and worked at the Hill County Treasurer's Office until 1969, when she moved to Polson, and went to work at the Lake County Treasurer's Office.

Due to complications of a stroke in 1988, she moved to St. Luke's Extended Care Facility in Ronan, and has been a resident there since that time. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jessie Nappin; two sisters, Bernice Nappin and Marion Rhodes-Taylor; and her husband Rob Roy Smith.

She is survived by her three sons, Lonnie (Marie) Smith of Ronan, George (Gail) Smith of Livingston and Cameron (Dawn) Smith of Great Falls; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two nieces in Illinois.

Her family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the employees that have helped her throughout her residency at St. Luke's.

A private family burial service will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Luke's Extended Care Facility, 107 Sixth Ave. S.W., Ronan, MT 59864 or a charity of the donor's choice