Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Cleveland Smith, 71, Black Eagle, Mont., died April 25, 2003, of natural causes. A graveside ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. CDT Saturday at Hensler Cemetery. Cremation has taken place.

Ben was born March 13, 1932, in Bismarck, N.D., to Benjamin W. and Lula (Cleveland) Smith. He was raised in and attended school in Hensler. Ben graduated from Bismarck High School. In 1949, he married Donna Wilson of Valley City, and they were later divorced. He married Patricia A. Bacon of Great Falls, Mont. He managed the Eagles Manor F.O.E. for 18 years, and was active in the Shriner's for many years. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and golfing.

Ben is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith, Great Falls; his daughters and sons-in-law, Mickii (Ed) Couts, Federal Way, Wash., Benita (Steve) Harper, Vancouver, Wash., Robyn (Jim) Haskestt, Anaconda, Mont., and Camie (Mike) Zufelt, Helena, Mont.; his sons and daughters-in-law, Benjamin O. (Joan) Smith, Chico, Calif., and Bret (Jen) Smith, Jamestown, Calif.; his sisters, Rhoda Stowe, Des Moines, Iowa, Ruth Stewart, Helena, Joan Christensen, Mankato, Minn., and Nellie Harris, Helena; his brothers, Norman Smith, Hettinger, and Tom Smith, Arkadelphia, Ark.; his stepsons, Michael and Doug Bacon, both of Helena, and David Bacon, Great Falls; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin W. and Lula (Cleveland) Smith; one brother, Malcolm; one sister, Mary; and two stepsons, Thomas and Nicholas Bacon.