Virginia Smith
March 28, 1931 - January 17, 2022
Obituary
Virginia Smith died in her sleep on January 17, 2022. Born March 28, 1931, to Raymond A. and Emma (McGarvey) Smith in Billings, MT, both of whom preceded her in death. As an only child, Virginia knew how to make lifelong friends starting with her McGarvey cousins, classmates at Billings Senior HS (1949) and U of M, work colleagues, former students, fellow parishioners, and next-door neighbors. After graduating from the University of Montana with a BA in Journalism in 1953, Virginia went to work at KBMY radio in Billings. She later moved to KGHL radio and was in the studio at 4 pm on March 15, 1958, when the station went on air for their first television broadcast. Virginia joined the KTVQ production team in 1969. In 1978 she earned a master's degree from Gonzaga University in Religious Studies and became the Director of Religious Education at Holy Rosary Parish (1986 – 1994) as well as the Religious Studies Department Chair at Billings Central Catholic HS (1986 – 1998). Miss Smith was an exceptional teacher who prepared her students to be critical thinkers. She was awarded the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Secondary Education Award in 1997. Virginia also taught theology through the Billings-Great Falls Catholic Diocese Tempus Program. In 1990, she and Dr. Elizabeth McNamer created an adult bible study program “Scripture from Scratch.” Their award-winning publication received international attention, translated into Chinese, and distributed in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. She authored “God for Grownups”, “Life is Changed, Not Ended”, “The Road to Resurrection”, and “Daily Reflections for Lent”. A devoted daughter and friend, Virginia was known for her keen sense of humor, her writing prowess, and her unshakable faith. How privileged we were to have had Virginia as part of our lives for so long. She will be remembered by people near and far and is a great loss to the Billings community. Virginia was grateful for the care she received from the staff at Sweetwater Retirement Community. To celebrate a life well lived there will be a vigil at Dahl Funeral Home on Feb. 9 at 6 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church on February 10 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Billings, St. Pius X Parish, or Billings Studio Theater.
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Memories
VM
Vic & JoAnne Miller
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Virginia was a proud Billings native, collecting and sharing history facts with others. Her quick wit humorous stories will be missed by her friends. JoAnne & Vic Miller
MF
Michael Fasching
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Virginia was my religious studies teacher at BCCHS. She was incredibly funny, patient and knowledgeable. My classroom experience with Ms. Smith continues to influence my faith in countless positive ways. She was the best teacher I've ever had, and I'm fortunate to have called her a friend.
LC
Linda (Lynn) Cooper
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Virginia Smith....loving, caring, friend, mentor, task maker, partner in crime but most of all my rock. Always there to listen, give advice or just laugh with me. I will miss you cousin dearest but know you are always in my heart.
TM
Tricia Martin
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Dearest Ms. Smith….I had the privilege of being her student at Billings Central - she was one of a kind! As students, our eyes were opened to religions around the world and to this day, her teachings still remain in my brain! She remembered each and every one of those she taught over the years. I ran into her quite frequently at St. Pius and she always kept me up to date on her students and what they were up to. Her sense of humor and dedication to her craft will be remembered by so many, for years to come. Thank you, Ms. Smith!
D
Donna
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Dear, dear Virginia, I will miss your wisdom, knowledge, book recommendations, and sharing a movie with Donna P. My love and prayers will follow you in this next wondrous chapter. Donna C
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ragan "Bo" Volk
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As long as I'm able, Virginia's puns won't go undone. I so appreciated her wit, wisdom, and willingness to combine her memories of an earlier Billings with mine. That look she gave me at work as my department head...the one over the top of her glasses as she tapped her silver Cross brand pen end over end across her desk from me, waiting for me to rise to her standards, always wanting the best for the business. I'm sure her students knew that look! I'm grateful, Virginia, for the time we shared... and the tiramisu you loved. I'm sure your next piece of it will be the most heavenly of all!