Milton Lee Smith joined his Heavenly Father after passing away unexpectedly on October 10, 2024. Born November 17,1942 in Spokane, Washington to Robert “Shorty” and Helen 'Dora” Smith, he spent his entire 81 years in this community. He graduated from Newport High School in 1961 and married the love of his life, Melva “Tudy” Sitton in August of that year. They recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary.

Lee and Tudy have three children, Crystal (and John) Zieske of Priest River, Idaho, Dean Smith of Oldtown, Idaho, and Misty Schubert of Sandpoint, Idaho. Grandchildren are Amber and John Zieske; Derek, Nathen, and Nerissa Smith; and Logan, Collin, and Colton Schubert; plus three great-grandchildren. His family affectionately called him “Papa.”

Lee worked at The Newport Miner for 43 years as a printer and retired in 2004. He was a charter member of the Newport Eagles. Many people might recognize him from his joint business with his wife, conducting estate sales for decades as “Sales by Tudy.”

He excelled at basketball and baseball in high school, lettering on the varsity teams in his freshman year. Later, he was a standout homerun hitter in the Pend Oreille Valley Softball Association men’s league. Sports continued as a passion, especially watching Seattle Seahawks, Gonzaga men’s basketball, and NASCAR, and the family attended Newport Rodeo nearly every year. Lee enjoyed fishing and treasured the time spent hunting with good friends and family.

One especially rewarding activity for him was gathering firewood, with Tudy always at his side! When the family moved across the border from Newport to their seven-acre property in Oldtown in 1972, they had an abundantly producing garden, as well as raising chicken, rabbits, and pigs.

Other hobbies included target shooting, camping at Priest Lake, 4-wheeling, cribbage, and blackjack. He was also a talented artist. Not one of us could beat Papa in Stratego, even when he’d turn his flag facing towards us for an obvious advantage! The kids were thrilled whenever they had Tudy (Mammy) and Papa support them at school or sports events, concerts, or plays—known as the loudest cheerleaders in the crowd! Lee and Tudy loved attending auctions and yard sales, and enjoyed feeding and watching birds and deer. He enjoyed vacations in Alaska, Hawaii, and especially the Oregon Coast. Most of all, the happiest times were spent at the picnic shelter in their yard, “The Pit,” often with bar-b-ques, and hosting up to 75 people at annual family reunions.

Everyone that knew Lee described him as funny, always joking and a constant prankster! He was justifiably voted Wittiest of his senior class! Oftentimes, when hearing one of his stories, a grandchild would give a quick glance to Mammy for confirmation whether to believe him or not! Besides his sense of humor, he was defined by his kindness. He was generous with his time, always willing to help others. He was a caring son, a doting husband, and a supportive Papa, and we’re all confident that God gave us the best!

Lee is also survived by his two brothers, Robert Smith of Anchorage, Alaska, and Clark Smith of Stayton, Oregon; brother-in-law Tuffy (and Nancy) Sitton, sisters-in-law Rosa Buck and Gileel Persyn (and Bob Kurl). An odd coincidence is that both Lee and his father died on October 10 (36 years apart).

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Newport, Washington, with a dessert reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Lee’s name to First Baptist Church, where he attended (P.O. Box 784, Newport, WA 99156).