Billie Jo Smith, our beautiful and beloved mother, sister and friend was called to the Spirit World on Monday, January 16, 2023 in Bismarck, ND.

Billie Jo was born on her mother Julia’s birthday, April 19, 1978.  She had 4 brothers and 4 sisters.  Billie Jo was raised in the Bismarck area by Julia Smith.  Later on, she was married to William “Billy” Klesalek (Mandan, ND), 23 years ago.  Together they had 2 beautiful daughters, Destiny Jo and Sequoia Jo.  They made their home in Mandan for 10 years.  Billie Jo was a stay at home mother, while Billy worked for his family business, Klesalek Excavating, Mandan.  They later divorced but remained very good friends.  Billie Jo remained single for 6 years, until she met Corey James Cadotte (deceased) of Wakpala, SD.  Together they had a beautiful daughter, Corie Julia Cadotte (Wakpala, SD).  They later separated but also remained very good friends.  She also had 4 precious grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart.  Billie Jo loved & enjoyed listening to music, singing, riding horses, garage sales, thrift stores, collecting jewelry, rodeos, camping, Pow Wows and four wheeling.  She loved being with and visiting with her family and friends.  She had the most beautiful smile that will stay in our hearts and minds forever and always. We will miss you so much JoJo (The cowgirl rides again).

She is survived by her father, David Smith; daughters, Destiny Jo Klesalek and Sequoia Jo Klesalek both of Mandan, ND and Corie Cadotte; brother, Brian Alberts (Crowhill, ND), Michael Smith (Devils Lake, ND) and Peter Smith, (Illinois); sisters, Lisa Mickelson (Fargo, ND), Tammy Smith (Fargo, ND), Tanisha Smith (St. Michael, ND and Michaelin Renville (Sisseton, SD); grandchildren, Aria & Elijah and Malaya & Michael Jr.; special friend, John Prudente (Mandan, ND); all her nieces & nephews, Aaliyah, Jesse, Simon, Shelby, Brian Jr., Brandon, Breena, Brin, Brice, Brianna, Alisha, Tristen, Tyler, Jayden, Jerzey and Juice.

Billie Jo is preceded in death by her mother, Julia Smith; baby brother, David Smith Jr.; uncles, Joseph Alberts Sr., Thomas Alberts and Romauld Alberts; aunt, Myra Lohnes and Corey Cadotte.

Pallbearers: Brian Alberts ~ William Klesalek ~ John Prudente ~ Brandon Alberts ~ Tyler Ross ~ Michael Taylor ~ Michael Smith ~ Tracy Alberts

Honorary Bearers:  Vonnie Jo Alberts, Vicki Alberts, Alyssa Alberts, Carrie Ann Smith, Ervinetta KillsPlenty, Berle McCaslin, Brett Alberts, James Alberts, Frank Lohnes Jr., Christopher Lovin, Joseph Alberts Jr., Starr Hunt, Waylon Smith, Wesley BigTrack, Calvin Smith and Lonnie Smith. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences, prayers and help.  Thank you to Evans Funeral Home, Fr. Paul Schuster, Spirit Lake Tribe & Council Members and St. Michael Rec. Center.

Billie Jo’s Visitation will be Sunday, 5:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00PM all at St. Michael Rec. Center, St. Michael, ND.

Friends wishing to join the procession from New Rockford to St. Michael may gather on the St. Jerome’s road, Fort Totten, prior to 4:15PM.

A Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 30, 2023, 10:00AM at St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael.

Her Burial will be at the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, St. Michael, ND.