Mable Smidt, Cherished Milford Resident, Dies at 86
The Milford community is mourning the sudden loss of Mable Smidt, a beloved local figure who passed away on April 26, 2026. Those close to her remember Mable as a fiercely honest, kindhearted woman whose warm nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Mable Smidt, born October 28, 1939, in Bliss, Nebraska, was widely recognized for her generous spirit and dedication to family and friends. Over her lifetime, she worked tirelessly, becoming a familiar face at local establishments including the Bil-Mar turkey factory and Jo & By’s Pub, where she spent 30 years serving her community.
A Life Defined by Service and Family
Raised in a close-knit family with five siblings, Mable married her first husband, Bernard Lee Fulkerth, in 1959 and had five children. She lived in Nebraska, Michigan, and Iowa before settling in Milford. Mable later married Darryl “Cowboy” Smidt, with whom she shared many adventures, often speaking with great affection about his memory following his passing.
Her family includes five children, two stepchildren, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild—all of whom carry forward her legacy of love and resilience.
Community and Family Gather to Honor Her Legacy
A celebration of life for Mable Smidt and Darryl Smidt will take place on May 9, 2026, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. The visitation is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. with services following at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Abben Cancer Center in Spencer or Lakes Regional Hospice in Spirit Lake, organizations that provided exceptional care and compassion during Mable’s final months.
“Mable’s generosity and commitment to those around her never wavered even in the toughest times, and she will be deeply missed,” the family shared through Turner Jenness Funeral Home.
Why This Matters
Beyond her local ties, Mable’s story resonates as a portrait of enduring strength, community values, and selfless kindness valued across the United States. Her life reflects the heart of American rural communities where personal connections and hard work define shared identity.
As Montana and communities nationwide face ongoing social challenges, remembering figures like Mable Smidt underscores the power of compassion and service in building stronger bonds and resilient neighborhoods.
Residents in Milford and beyond are invited to honor her memory at the upcoming service and contribute to causes that supported her care, ensuring her legacy lives on through continued community support and kindness.
