Beatrice Smith, 79

Thief River Falls – Beatrice Smith of Thief River Falls, 79, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, surrounded by her loving family.
Beatrice “Bea” Virginia (Lee) Smith was born on February 6, 1947 in Grand Forks, the daughter of David Robert and Mary Madonna (Terrian) Lee Ordway. She was raised in the Lutheran faith. She attended Lincoln High School and later obtained her degree through GED. Beatrice was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Smith on July 12, 1963, in Sisseton, SD.
Over the years, she worked as a waitress before joining Arctic Cat, where she held different positions as an assembler, lead, and a forklift operator. She was also the owner/operator of Dick Smith’s Septic Tank Service, along with her husband, in Thief River Falls, and in the early years, during the winters in Waco, TX.
Bea was a member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed traveling with her family and accompanied them to many new and old places. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and made sure to attend every holiday gathering and special event. In 2013, she adopted her best friend, Buddy the pug, who spent the last twelve years with her as her constant companion.
She is survived by two daughters, Beatrice (Daniel) Narverud, and Tabitha (Edward) Jones; as well as grandchildren, Brittany (Jesse) Sather, Alexandra Narverud, Adriana (Austin Gorsuch) Narverud, Orion Jones, Sophia Jones; great-grandchildren, Ezekiel, Kilah, and Ainsleigh Sather, and a brother, Emery (Francesca) Lee, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Smith; daughter, Dorothy Louise Rasmussen; her parents; and several brothers; sisters; nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery immediately following the service.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.