Elizabeth Ann Smith (Liz) was at home and in the arms of her loving husband when she passed away peacefully from natural causes on the evening of September 5, 2025.
Liz was born in Bend, Oregon on March 1, 1940 to Nathaniel and Henrietta Hanson. She was the youngest of three children and her elementary school years were spent attending Indian Boarding Schools on various Native American Reservations in Oregon, Montana, and Nebraska. Her father was a Federal Agent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Liz loved sharing memories of childhood summers spent using horses to pack supplies into Montana’s back country sites complete with camping and fishing adventures and how exciting Native American Pow Wow ceremonies were.
Liz graduated from Nevada’s Carson City High School in 1958. She then followed in both her Mother ‘s and Sister’s footsteps earning her RN diploma in 1961 from the Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls. After graduating from Nursing School, Liz moved to Tacoma to live with her Sister and started working at Pierce County Medical Center. There she met and fell in love with the most handsome, kindest, hard-working orderly named Bill Smith.
Bill and Liz were married on September 30, 1964 and remained in Tacoma until 1969 when they were able to return to Montana – first landing in Avon before re-locating to Deer Lodge in 1978.
1983 was the year that Liz officially became known as “Nana”. She had an absolute love and passion for life and was so appreciative of being a stay-at-home Nana and Mom. Her faith in Christ could move mountains but she had no problem going over his head if she needed to. We all agree that her one true passion was anything children (having 6 of her own as well as taking in families of foster children, neighborhood children, foreign exchange children, grand-children, and great grand-children). She also loved cow dogs, lap dogs, sled dogs, ponies, horses, cats, hunting, fishing, mountain drives, Sunday night family rosary nights and her beloved cabin.
Hospice Nursing remained near and dear to Nana’s heart. She was instrumental in helping to establish Powell County Hospice and through the years, she continued to keep her Montana RN License active as she wanted to be ready just in case she should receive a call to serve. She was also especially proud that she was able to be of service for 3 elected terms as Powell County’s State Representative.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Henrietta Hanson; her sister, Mary Ellen Hanson; and her daughter Mary Smith.
Nana is survived by her loving husband, Papa Bill; Debbie Cooper, Tanya (Erik), Sabrina (Scott), Troy (Mary), Brock (Denise), Celeste (Todd), and Holly, 17 Grandchildren, 8 Greatgrands, and 1 Greatgrand Baby Bean on the way.
Viewing will be held 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. * September 12, 2025 * Immaculate Conception Church *601 Clark Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722*
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. * September 13, 2025 * Immaculate Conception Church *601 Clark Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 *
Luncheon to Follow at St Mary’s Center
*In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PAWHS
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Liz and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Liz.
Nichole Bollich says
To Bill and Family my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. I will remember Liz as a strong and loving person that was always there when I needed someone to confide in. We will miss your dearly Liz.