Mellabelle Smith

Mellabelle Smith, 80, of Bozeman, passed away April 2, 2018. She was born July 8, 1937 in Greer, Missouri to William and Edith (Booker) Pruitte.

Mellabelle was raised in Alton, Missouri and her family moved at an early age to Emmett, Idaho, where she graduated from Emmett High School. In high school she was a cheerleader and fell in love Larry Smith who was on the football team.

The couple was united in marriage on June 21, 1956. Larry was in the Air Force and the couple immediately moved to Fairbanks, AK where Larry was stationed. The daughter Debra was born in Fairbanks in December of 1958. Larry and family were then transferred to Tucson, AZ, and then to Riverside, CA. Larry was stationed Vietnam, during that time Mellabelle and Debra lived in Alton, MO, with Mellabelle’s parents. In 1971 they family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where Larry was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, the family lived in Omaha until his retirement. Following his retirement, Larry and Mellabelle moved to Bozeman in 1991 to be near their daughter and son-in-law Debra and JD.

They loved being an active part of their grandchildren’s lives, there were supporters of all the grandchildren’s activities, including basketball, volley ball and musical productions.

Mellabelle was faithful member of the LDS church her entire life, she was talented at needlework especially crocheting, making blessing blankets for her grandchildren’s blessing day in the church, also creating many gifts for family and friends that have become treasured heirlooms.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry 2005, 5 siblings and her chocolate poodle Snickers.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Debra and Dr. JD Clark of Bozeman, 4 grandchildren Camber (Jerry) May of Gig Harbor, WA, Carlee (James) Platt of Bountiful, UT, Tanner (Jackie) Clark of Scottsdale, AZ, Coriann (Brett) Thompson of Vineyard, Utah; 10 great grandchildren (and one the way) Dallin, Presslie, Porter, Benson, Eli, Darcy, Carter, Trent, Drew, Trey; and sister Onetta and her chocolate poodle Babe Ruth

Visitation 10 AM in the Relief Society Room followed by the Funeral at 11:00 am in the Chapel, Saturday, April 7, at the Church Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Stake Center, 2915 Colter, Ave. Interment to follow the next day at the Star Valley Cemetery in Afton, Wyoming.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at dahlcares.com.