In Memory

Julia "Judi" Vail (Smith)

Julia Judi Vail (Smith)

From the Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory obituary:

Julia Storm “Stormy” Vail Smith, 72, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, went to Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 24, 2016 from complications of pneumonia.

Stormy was born March 9, 1944, to Robert St. Patrick Vail and Claudine (Cook) Vail in Pampa, Texas, where she was raised and educated. She attended Colorado State University, and Texas Tech University and graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Education and a teaching certificate. She taught physical education and art in public schools in Arizona, Turkey and Texas.

On Dec. 16, 1967, she married Air Force Lt. Dwight D. Smith in Tucson, AZ. Over the course of his service, she moved frequently with him to his military assignments in Turkey, Germany, England, Idaho, Texas, Montana and Nebraska. She came to Malmstrom Air Force Base first in 1983-84 and retired to Great Falls in 1989 where she remained for the remainder of her life.

Stormy lived a full and blessed life serving others as an Air Force wife, teacher, mom and homemaker.  She had opportunities to travel throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe and the Pacific. She loved art, art history, fashion modeling, music, poetry, decorating, gourmet cooking, fishing, her beagles Cash and Penny, and helping others. She had an enthusiastic and creative mind. She was always supportive of her husband and children as she was involved in church, school, Little League Baseball, and PTA activities. She served at Military Affairs Committee (MAC) picnics and Malmstrom military events.

Stormy was an active supporter and believer in the Great Falls Rescue Mission, The History Museum, and the Foothills Community Christian School, and loved the events at the C.M. Russell Museum, the Russell Art Auction, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Lewis and Clark re-enactments, the annual Bluegrass on the Bay, and the musicals at the Civic Center. She also believed in and participated in outreach programs to the community like the New City Church’s, “More Than Words,” activities, as well as the Great Falls and Missoula food banks and the Humane Society.

Survivors include her husband, Dwight of Great Falls; children, Doug (Kia) Smith Jr. of Missoula, Sabrina (Jacob Selman) Smith of Missoula, and Darren (Shelby) Smith of Dillon; five grandchildren, Silas, Sawyer, Desmond, Timber Grace, and London Annalise.

Stormy was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert St. Patrick Vail; and brother, Robin Vail.



 
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03/10/17 10:49 AM #1    

Betty McWilliams (Patterson)

I have such fond memories of growing up with Judi, especially around age 12 when we learned square dancing, art, etiquette, camping, and modeling as a small group of girls together.  This was an effort of our mothers who wanted to expose us to a variety of enriching life experiences and each mother participated in one of the areas we studied. 

Over the years, I have been impressed with the goodness and success of the members of our class.  We were truly raised by a village of people with integrity and caring.  So, it's not any surprise that Judi went on to being such a great Christian, serving others with love and devotion.  She will be greatly missed and I send my sincere condolences to every member of her family and all of our friends who loved her.

Betty Patterson 


03/11/17 07:20 PM #2    

Donna Walsh (Stephens)

I have so many wonderful memories of Judi.  All through grade school, we lived two houses apart.  We were always at each others houses.  My heart hurts knowing that she is gone.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family.


03/12/17 09:05 AM #3    

Linda Zmotony (Johnson)

such a nice person, nice to everyone, 

 


03/13/17 06:51 AM #4    

Lyndell "Corky" Godfrey

Judi was a great friend and will be greatly missed.  

Corky Godfrey

 


03/16/17 02:37 PM #5    

Linda Worley (Mitchell-Hoffman)

Such a shock to me.  Judi and I were best friends for a very long time.  We were always together.  I just hate losing someone I love.  I remember one event of our friendship.  I was spending the night with her.  Her parents were out of town, but we had a lady staying with us.  She took us to the LaVista Theatre to watch a movie, and we were suppose to call her to come pick us up, but we decided to stay for the second movie.  It was midnight when it was over, so we thought it best to walk home because the sitter would be asleep.  BAD IDEA!  On the way I saw my family car coming toward me and knew I was in BIG trouble.  I was grounded for a long time - seemed lilke a year.  I talked to her several times before our 50th class reunion.  She wanted to come so bad, but it was very expensive to get to Pampa.  Thank you God for that great gift of knowing her.  She was a talented, fine lady, and she loved our Lord and Savior.  She will be missed.

 

 

 

 


03/19/17 04:16 PM #6    

Sandra Whelchel (Brown)

Julia and I grew up a block from each other. We were in dancing class together and went all through school together.  I remember going to Halloween parties at her house and we had to really dress up and had so much fun.  Julia was a very talented artist and fun to be around.  My prayers and thoughts go out to her family.  It is hard to believe we are getting old enough to be losing our classmates but because we grew up in Pampa we all have fond memories of all of our classmates.

Blessings, Sandy Whelchel Brown


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