Linda Kay Smith

Linda Kay Smith passed away unexpectedly at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls on June 23, 2026. She was 73 years of age.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Schnider Funeral Home Hospitality Room. A private burial will be held at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Linda was born in Harvey, North Dakota on March 11, 1953, to Martha Fleck and Lyle Button. Linda was the third child of 10 children in the family. At the age of two, the family moved to Great Falls, Montana to be close to her mother’s family. Linda attended K-12 school in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1971. Her first job was with Great Falls Lumber Company in the accounting department. Years later she began a career with a regional Title Company in Missoula and Great Falls, retiring in the fall of 2025.

She always loved the outdoors. She loved riding her horses with family and friends. She especially enjoyed camping and family gatherings. She enjoyed doing crafts, and she was a phenomenal cook. She always brought delicious food to all gatherings she attended.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law, Delores. Linda is survived by her partner of 16 years, Doug Forbes; son, Shawn Marreel; and 5 grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters, Wanda Feit (George), Jody Calvao (Scott), and Laurie Gurnard (Keith); brothers, Michael Button (Terrie), Terry Button (Denise), Ron Button (Peggy), Tim Button (Laura), Steve Button, and Bob Button (Shirley); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Great Falls Children’s Receiving Home, and the Great Falls Food Bank.