William E. "Bill" Smithers

1929 - 2025

William "Bill" E. Smithers, 95

Being a lifetime resident of Kalispell, William (Bill) Elsworth Smithers died on June 6, 2025 at the age of 95, gently succumbing to a long history of health issues starting with polio at the age of 25. He was born July 11, 1929, the youngest of four children, to parents Margaret (Mack) Smithers and Carl Smithers. As an active hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed being with both his parents and his family in the fall hunts, and camping with his children. Some of his favorite times were at the family cabin in Pleasant Valley. In 1950 Bill married Barbara Roll. They had four children, Carolyn, William, Kenneth, and Shelley. They were later divorced.

During the depression he learned the value of hard work starting at age eleven with a paper route, receiving several prizes and earning enough money to buy his first Schwinn bicycle. Over the years there were many jobs; setting pins at the bowling alley, working for the County Rodent Control Department, the Carl Anderson Theaters, the Cherry Warehouse, Collin Wills Furniture, Kelly's and then Main Street Furniture. Wanting to settle into a lifetime career he took on a variety of insurance industry study programs upon being licensed by and starting his career with Mutual of New York. He then became the District Manager of Blue Shield Health Insurance for 20 years until their merger with Blue Cross, and continued another two years following the merger, until retiring in 1988. Deciding he wasn't ready to quit working, he joined Tri-Co and Time Insurance Agencies until he took permanent retirement in 1997.

Bill had a strong desire for public service. Over the years he was involved with the Jaycees as Secretary and then Vice President; the Flathead Sportsman's Assoc.; taught Hunter Safety; was an umpire for Little League Baseball; was an active Sunriser Lion; and was the local March of Dimes Chairman for 25 years.

In 1976 he married Idella Oberlitner and for 49 years they were happily blending their two families, enjoying family dinners in their home, working on local service projects, sharing community activities, always together, always ready to travel. They enjoyed traveling long distances for family celebrations, hosting and being hosted by Friendship Force International clubs, traveling to find family genealogy roots. And spending vacation time on long road trips and cruises together with friends.

Bill was active in politics with the Republican Party, holding positions as Precinct Committeeman; Secretary, and then Treasurer of Glacier County Pachyderm; was Central Committee Treasurer; and was a Delegate to the National Republican Convention in Philadelphia in 2000.

He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, a Deacon, and served on various church committees.

Bill is survived by his children, Carolyn Overman (Ben); William (Ellie); Kenneth (Corina); Shelley Osteen (Dale); his step children, Ruthann Oberlitner (Mark Dickson); David Oberlitner (Gisele); Tom Oberlitner (Brenda); eleven grandchildren, (one deceased) and ten great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., Kalispell on Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian church or to the charity of the donor's choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.