Powder River Examiner -

Kenneth Eugene Smith, age 93, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2020.

Ken was born to Carl and Inez Smith on July 13, 1926 in Miles City, Montana. He was raised in a log cabin on the home place at Olive, Montana. The family built and moved into their new house in 1942 when Ken was 16. Ken started at the Olive school and then graduated from Broadus High School. He graduated from Montana State College with an animal science degree and then he joined the Army.

Ken was on leave and met Coila at a Broadus dance where she was taking tickets. They visited and spent the rest of the evening together. This was the beginning of their lifelong love. Ken was in the service and stationed in New Jersey. He took leave from the service and came back to marry Coila on September 18, 1951. Afterward, they both returned to New Jersey, and then Ken was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia. Three months later, they returned to the family ranch with new son Gene. They lived in a trailer until 1955, when they built their house and welcomed their daughter Cheri. In 1960 son Terry was born and daughter Annette was born in 1962.

Ken enjoyed flying his plane and raising wheat. Coila and Ken took many trips with their family and friends. He loved fishing trips and camping in the Big Horn Mountains. Ken expanded the ranch by raising cattle and wheat. He enjoyed branding and visiting with everyone. We remember him taking his walks, especially his walks up the hill. He believed in keeping fit and healthy. Ken supported his children in their adventures and sharing his wisdom. His grandchildren were his delight as he watched them grow to be adults.

Ken is survived by his brother Ted (Ellen) Smith of Olive, Montana, sister Cora (Bob) Ofstie of Oregon; son Eugene (Diane), and children Jessica (Grant) Beagles, Samantha Jo (Logan) Perreault, and Jake Smith; son Terry (Kebi), and children Justin (Megan) Smith and Kelsey Smith; daughter Cheri Collins and children Chris (Ryan) Collins, Michelle (Justin) Gaudette; daughter Annette (Chuck) Keller and children Amanda (Andrew) Emmel, Kayla Kircher, Chris (Lacey) Keller, Eric (Melissa) Keller and Alex Keller. Great grandchildren Everett, Arlowe, Ada, Caden, Taya, Hannah, Mason, Nolan, Cooper, Chaislyn, and Corbett. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Coila, and grandson Bryan.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River Congregational Church or the Henry Malley Memorial Library.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb.1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment with full military honors will follow at Valley View Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting http://www.stevensonandsons.com.