"Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rage at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

Dylan Thomas

Earl Gay Smith died April 22, 2025, after a valiant fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Earl was born October 10,1934 to Earley G. Smith and Ruby Hart Smith. His birthplace was Marion County, West Virginia. His brother David was born eighteen months later. Earl's parents were both from large families. Earl grew up surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles and 24 first cousins.

Earl graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. He next served in the United States Army as a Captain in Ordnance. He was granted a hardship discharge after eight months because of his father's death. He finished his service in the Army Reserves. Earl and his first wife, Helen, moved to Florida where he worked as a salesman for Ayerst Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer). He would have more than a 30-year career with the company. He was promoted to District Manager in St. Louis, Missouri and then to Regional Manager in Chicago, Illinois. He was chosen as Regional Manager of the year twice. Earl retired as an Area Business Director.

On December 6, 1974, Earl married Margaret (Peggy) White and they combined their two families. They were married for 50 years.

Earl and Peggy moved to Helena, Montana after retirement. Earl thoroughly enjoyed retirement. He took ceramic classes at Archie Bray and volunteered at the Montana Historical Society. He was also a docent at the Holter Museum of Art for more than fifteen years. Earl was also an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral. He served as Senior Warden for two years.

Earl and Peggy loved to travel all over the United States. Peggy was from New Mexico and introduced him to the state. Earl loved its stark beauty and its cultural diversity. It became one of his favorite places. Earl also never lost touch with West Virigina. Earl and Peggy would often visit his brother's farm deep in the West Virigina hills. There he would reconnect with his extended family. Earl and Peggy also spent several enjoyable winters in Tubac, Arizona.

Earl was proceeded in death by his parents, stepfather, Harry Taylor, brother, David and his wife Bonnie and his nephew, David.

Earl is survived by his wife, Peggy and their beloved children, Matthew Smith (Kimberly), Jennifer Smith, Catherine Morris (Robert), Lisa McCarthy (Robert Dallas) and Leslie Ruttenberg (Bruce). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alexandra Smith, Maxwell Smith, Christian Smith, Brendan Smith, Eric Ruttenberg and Andrew Ruttenberg.

Private memorial service will be held later this summer at St. Peter's Cathedral Columbarium.

In Thanksgiving for Earl's life, please consider a gift of service to one of Helena's charitable organizations.

The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Gilbert and his nurse, Katy. Also, they would like to thank the Cancer Care Center, particularly Dr. Elizabeth Biggers, Melissa Cottner, DNP and the nurses. They gave devoted care to Earl. Also, we would like to thank Mother Robin Biffle for anointing and performing last rites for Earl. Thank you to St. Peter's Hospice for their compassionate care during Earl's last week.

Earl had a boundless joy for life. He was a true blessing to his family.