Berniece Aldean (Elston) Smith, 97, formerly of Kirksville, Missouri died on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan.

Bee was born on June 6, 1922 in Kirksville, Missouri to Lester and Lois (Harris) Elston. She married Lyle Smith on October 9, 1943 in Paris, Tennessee, who preceded her in death in 2015.

Bee worked as a telephone operator and at Rider Drug when it was on the square. Bee and Lyle retired early and were “snow birds” to Yuma, Arizona for several years, making many friends around the states.

Bee loved taking care of her home and family, traveling and playing cards. Bee attended the Fellowship Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri.

Bee is survived by one daughter Carol (Jim) Williams of Jordan, MT; daughter-in-law Maria Smith of Chandler, AZ; six grandchildren: Patrick (Dani) Smith, Brian Smith, Michelle (Will) Dean, Sandy (Benny) Gavin, Mike (Diane) Williams, Tony (Jo) Williams and Dan (Patty) Williams and six great grandchildren: Matthew Smith, Christopher Smith, Caleb Dean, Gunner Dean, Anita Guderjohn and Kelly Smith; one brother Don Elston of Wichita, KS; numerous nieces and nephews and her “other daughter” and friend Sharon May. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Randy Lee Smith and Billie Joe Smith; Three brothers: Orville Elston, Walt Elston and Dick Elston; two sisters: Lucille Doyle and Mildred Mitten and a grandson Todd Williams.

Graveside Services will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville, MO, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home. Should friends desire memorials can be made in her memory to the Garfield County Health Center - PO Box 389- Jordan, Montana 59337.