Diane F. Smith

Diane F. Smith 85, passed away at the Hi-Line Retirement Center in Malta MT on January, 27th 2021.   

Hello friends; if you are here, then I am not. Be a diligent health advocate for yourself and your loved ones; don't depend on the medical personnel to do it for you. In my case, somebody dropped the ball!

Born January 12, 1936 in Saco, Montana to Ted and Hazel Didier, raised on a ranch on the Milk River, west of Cree Crossing. Attended grade school at Cree Crossing School thru 7th grade when I moved to Malta, graduating from Malta High School in 1953. Attended college in Dillon to become an Elementary Ed Teacher. Taught rural schools in Phillips County for 7 years, then attended Beauty College in Spokane and became a licensed cosmetologist and ran my own Beauty shop in Malta for 30 years. I started my cooking career at 9, flipping burgers at The Plunge, while my folks managed the resort. I was a steakhouse chef for many years in eateries in Malta and Havre. I drove school and over the road busses for Keith Holmes for 16 years, logging many thousands of accident free miles.

Diane was always an outdoor person, I loved to ride horses, was an avid rock hound, and animal lover. I was very proud that I published my book," the Sleeping Buffalo Rock" in 2007 that sold out in a couple of months. My greatest pride comes in my daughter Terry, and her two sons, both boys serve in the military.

Diane is survived by Daughter Terry Lodmell of Malta, Grandsons Lacy (Jessica) Lodmell who serves in the Navy, Tory (Jennifer) Lodmell who service in the Airforce, Grandchildren Stella, Sam, Callen, and Riley, her sister in law Lela Didier of Chester, Montana, and their 4 children, LeAnn, Thad, Charlotte, and Jed, and several cousins.

 Diane was preceded in death by both her parents, and brother Lee (Laddie).