Sally Smith, 80, of Hensler, died in her home on Friday, January 16, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at the Stanton Civic Center on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00PM. Burial will take place at the Hensler Cemetery in the spring.

Sally was born on February 3, 1945, to Charles and Marie (Gramm) Russell. She grew up on a farm north of Stanton along the Missouri River. She had two siblings, Bill and Jane. Sally had endless stories of their experiences on the river and the surrounding countryside. She went to country school and graduated from Stanton High School in1963.

She married Vernon Smith of Stanton and had five children, Mack, Locke, Cliff, Russell and Annette. Together the family lived in Stanton and later moved to a farm a mile north of Stanton on what is known as the Knife River Indian Villages. In 1977 the family moved north of Hazen near Lake Sakakawea. The family later settled on the family farm near Hensler on the Missouri River.

Sally worked at DGC north of Beulah as a security guard and raised cattle.

After retiring she enjoyed her summers spent on the river with family and friends.

Sally is survived by her sons, Mack and Russell (Robyn Johnson), daughter, Annette (Bruce) Gappert, grandchildren, Ashley, Jimmy, Dillon, Kaela, Kyle, Karly, Kortnie, Katelyn and Lucas, many great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Jessie, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, sons, Locke and Cliff, and her siblings.