Henrietta Smithson

Henrietta “Hank” Diane Smithson passed away on February 3, 2023, with her family and favorite doctor, Dr. Erica, by her side. She left the same way she started every day, with a smile on her face. If you were around Hank, you were having a good time. She had an amazing energy that drew people to her, and she greeted everyone with a hug, a compliment and a smart-aleck comment. Usually in that order.

Hank was born March 31, 1943, in Montevideo, MN, the daughter of Vernon and Helen (Helgeson) Meyer. She was raised on the family farm and attended school at Sacred Heart, MN.

She met Thomas “Tom” Smithson while he was on leave from the Air Force. They were married March 9, 1963. Shortly after, they moved to California where they raised their two sons. Hank raised her boys and worked at several wineries throughout her time in California. When Tom retired, they moved back to Minnesota and then to Billings where she was very active in the VFW Women's Auxiliary.

She has joined her husband Tommy, her brother Vernon “Doc” Meyer and her parents in heaven. Surely, there is a party going on in heaven.

Hank is survived by her best friend, partner in crime and sister, Dorothy; her sons Shane (Carrie) of Billings and Stacy (Becky) of Sunburst, MT; grandchildren Tayler, Tanner, Eric (Amanda), Nick and Hanna; great-grandchildren Ashlenn, Everett, (baby sister) and Paisley; several nieces and nephews and countless friends that became like family.

Burial of ashes will be held at noon on Friday, March 3rd at Yellowstone National Cemetery, 55 Buffalo Trail Rd, in Laurel. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 4th at VFW Post 6774, 637 Anchor Ave, in Billings heights. A luncheon will follow.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the VFW Women's Auxiliary.