Marie E. Smith, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Marie was born on July 1, 1918, in Montrose, Colo., to Kenneth K. and Anna M. Langfelt Oliver. She was raised in Billings and Hardin where she attended schools.

Marie married William J. Gress on April 28, 1934, in Hardin. He passed away in 1971.

In April 1981, Marie married William A. Smith. He passed away in 1997.

She worked as a certified nurses assistant at Warm Springs and Immanuel Lutheran Home. Marie also worked at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls for several years.

Marie was an excellent cook, and had also worked at the Ol' River Bridge in as a cook for awhile.

She loved painting, writing, reading, dancing and playing the violin. She will be truly missed by everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; one daughter, Jeanne Marie, at the age of 6; and one brother, Andrew Oliver.

Marie is survived by her children, James A. Gress; William L. and his wife, Margery Gress; Benjamin I. Gress; Lilli Ann and her husband, Ronald Martin; Betty Lou (Elizabeth) Armstrong; one half brother; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family,