Nancy Smith

Nancy Ruth Smith, 79, of Friedheim passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by her loved ones.

Nancy was born April 23, 1944, in Cape Girardeau to Joseph and Ruby Kranawetter. She was the first of four daughters.

Nancy graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1962. Soon after, she married her high school sweetheart, Arthur "Benny" Benjamin Smith, on June 22, 1963. They made their home on a portion of Benny's family farm, where together they had six children. Their first daughter, Angel Dawn, passed at birth. After the heartbreak from the loss of their first child, they soon welcomed five more children -- Melissa, Arthur Jr., Joseph, Robert and Nancy "Crissy".

Nancy was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and shared her passion for baking with her children and grandchildren. But over all, her love for the Lord was evident in everything she did. Nancy made her choice to serve God in 1980 and continued her service daily until her passing.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ruby Kranawetter; husband, Arthur "Benny" Smith; daughter, Angel Dawn; sister, Carol Purnell; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Smith

Nancy is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Kay Green and Mary Koeberl- Rechenberg; children, Melissa Hengl of Friedheim, Arthur (Kyann) Smith Jr. of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Joseph (Crystal) Smith of Friedheim, Robert (Casey) Smith of Friedheim and Crissy (Colin) Harrison of Friedheim; 19 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Ford and Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri.

Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the funeral home, with pastors Steve Marshal and Daniel Farris officiating.

Flowers and cards may be sent to Ford and Liley Funeral Home, 410 Union St. Marble Hill, MO 63764.