Marjorie Ruth Howard

Marjorie Ruth (Smith) Howard, born to William and Una Smith in Anaconda on July 9, 1927, passed peacefully in Missoula, on October 28, 2025, with family at her bedside.

Marjorie is survived by her brother Richard Smith; children Judith Howard (Randy Reyes), Daniel Howard (Denise), and Thomas Howard (Carmen). Marjorie is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandsons. 

She was predeceased by husband Arthur, son David, brothers William and Eugene, granddaughter Shari, great-granddaughter Nicole. As Matriarch of the Smith, Kunkel, and by marriage, the Howard families, she is survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

After living in California a number of years, Marjorie returned to her beloved Montana 54 years ago, settling in Corvallis. A devoted wife and mother, she continued her love of gardening, wildlife, and the outdoors in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. She was an active member of the Corvallis United Methodist Church’s. As family matriarch, she always tried to keep up with everyone’s lives, taking joy in everyone’s accomplishments. An amazing accomplishment to live 98 full years, Marjorie’s loving, joyful, presence will be missed by all. 

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and kindness. 

Services will be Saturday, November 22nd at 11am at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, followed by luncheon in the church social hall.In lieu of flowers, Marjorie requested donations to American Diabetes Association, or the Corvallis United Methodist Church.