Carole Phelper Smith, 84

Carole Phelper Smith, 84, was born to Glen and Juanita Phelper in Aurora, Illinois, in 1942. She grew up in Sandwich, Illinois, and graduated from high school in 1960.

While in Sandwich, she married the love of her life, Wendell Smith, in 1963. Shortly after their marriage, they decided to move west and wound up in Cut Bank.

In Cut Bank, Carole worked in the county office while Wendell pursued a career in teaching. They lived in Cut Bank until the fall of 1968, when they then made the move over the mountains to Whitefish. 

In Whitefish, Carole worked as a secretary for First National Bank for six years until she changed jobs to work for the Whitefish School District. She was hired as an elementary and middle school secretary and instantly knew this was what she wanted to do. She worked for the Whitefish School District for the remainder of her career. While there, she touched so many lives and made connections with so many students and teachers alike. She loved her job and also the people that she was able to work with.

One of the best parts of her job was the summer. She loved the summer because she was able to spend more time with what she loved most — her family. She loved playing sports with her two boys, Chad and Scott. Carole would pitch the baseball to them or play catch for hours at a time, enjoying every minute of it. When they were in high school, she never missed any of their games. She dearly loved her family and was so proud of all of their accomplishments in their lives. Her loves in life were always her family, her connection with church and the students and teachers she was able to work with. She will always be remembered as kind, caring and compassionate.

Carole is survived by her husband Wendell of 63 years; their son Chad (Traci); grandchildren Caden and Kennedi; son Scott (Nikki); grandchildren Bodie, Bailey and Ty; Sisters Judy (Jim) Martin, Ginger Dannewitz, Sonja (Fred) Huskey; brother Handy (Donna) Phelper; Sister-in-law Denise McMillen; several nieces, nephews and many cousins back east.

She was preceded in death by her parents Juanita and Glen Phelper, her brother-in-law Harold Dannewitz and brother-in-law Donald McMillen Jr.