Smith, Wardell reign as king, queen of hearts at BBMNH

Valentine’s Day would not be complete without the crowning of a king and queen for the day at the Bonnie Bluejacket Memorial Nursing Home.

COVID-19 did not interfere in this year’s celebration as residents gathered in the dining room for the crowning of Kit Smith as king and Maralyn Wardell as queen.

Floyd “Kit” Smith, longtime Shell Valley/Greybull resident, was an outfitter in the Big Horn Mountains for many years. He was a rancher, trapper, and his “claim to fame” was his special breed of cattle, Galloway, which he bred and raised until ill health forced him to move off his ranch and into town. He was proud of his membership in the Masons organization, faithfully attended meetings and served in several offices.

He was excited to be crowned “King of the Day.”

Maralyn came to Bonnie Bluejackets from Powell, where she taught school for 34 years. She received a lot of visitors from former students before COVID-19 hit. “You could see the love and respect they had for her,” according to Activity Director Viki Wright. 

Maralyn is the vice-president of the Resident Council.

The newly-crowned queen was “surprised and very pleased” to accept the honor bestowed on her.