Luretta R. Smith
1939-2017
Tarkio, Missouri

Luretta Rose Smith, the daughter of Lauren Virgil and Mabel Pearl (Kemerling) Harbison was born April 3, 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska. As a young girl, Luretta enjoyed toe-dancing and performing, and in high school was a drum majorette, cheerleader and sang in the chorus. She graduated from Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri in 1957, then Omaha School of Commerce, Omaha, Nebraska, later the same year.

On December 8, 1957, Luretta was united in marriage to James Clifford Smith at the First Baptist Church in Tarkio. They made their home in Tarkio until 1963 when they moved to the Smith family farm northeast of Tarkio, where they lived to the present time. They became the parents of three children; Clifford Brian, Belinda Suzanne and Lauren Brent.

Luretta was employed by Mr. Bennett at the Tarkio Popcorn Company, Cunningham McMasters Insurance, Tarkio, the Tarkio High School, as secretary, and for many years as secretary for the First Baptist Church.

Luretta was a member of First Baptist Church and the Pony Express Hitch- Hiker Camping Club. She and Clifford enjoyed pulling their camper to Arizona for 15 years. She also enjoyed gardening (in her bikini), cooking and canning, and especially loved spending time with her family. Luretta passed away Sunday, January 1, 2017, at her home, at the age of 77.

Luretta was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Beverly Jean Springer and Patricia (Pat) Meek. Survivors include her husband, Clifford, Tarkio; son, Brian Smith, Tarkio; former daughter-in-law and caregiver, Loria Smith, St. Joseph, Missouri; daughter, Belinda (Butch) Grimm, St. Joseph; son, Brent (Sherry) Smith, Tarkio; four grandsons, Jeremy, Joshua and Jason Smith, Kolton Wallace; six step grandchildren, Stephanie Smith, Devin Wallingford, Connor Grimm, Anna Carr, Bryant Corbin and Brittany Corbin; one great grandchild, Curtis Smith; five step great grandchildren, Brody Cobb-Wallace, Mason Corbin, Leslie Rose, Piper Jo Wallingford and Tyler Smith.

Funeral Service:
10:30 AM, Thursday, January 5, 2017, First Baptist Church, Tarkio, Missouri.
Interment: Center Grove Cemetery, Westboro, Missouri.
Open visitation will begin 9:00 AM, Wednesday, January 4th, Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, where the family will receive friends that evening from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.
Memorials: First Baptist Church, Open Door Mission, Omaha, Nebraska, the Tarkio Nutrition Center, and Hospice Partners, St. Joseph.
Online obituaries and condolences: www.minterfuneralchapels.com