Lois I Smith (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lois Irene Smith, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home in Lebanon, Missouri on March 16, 2025. She was eighty-eight years, six months and twenty-two days of age.
Lois was born to Paul and Hazel Eilenstine Dotson on August 25, 1936 in Lebanon, Missouri. She lived in Lebanon all her life and attended Millcreek School and was recognized for having perfect attendance several years.
On June 6, 1953, Lois was united in marriage to her true love and best friend, Gilbert Donald Smith. Together they created over fifty-six years of wonderful memories as they raised their family.
Lois was saved and baptized at a young age and was ready to meet her Heavenly Father.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Hazel Dotson; her loving husband, Gilbert, who passed away January 29, 2010 ; two sons, Dee and Terry Smith; a grandson, Shiloh Hicks; two brothers, Loraine and Robert Dotson; a son-in-law, Junior Price; and her father and mother-in-law, Charlie and Rachel Smith.
She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Lynn Price, Janell Mathews and her husband Don and Lisa Gornto, all of Lebanon, Missouri; three sons, Rama Smith and his wife Donna of Lebanon, Missouri, John X Smith and his wife Karen of North Dakota and Matt Smith and his wife Melissa of Lebanon, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren, Kris Wood and her husband Troy of Richland, Missouri, Rachel Schutt and her husband Brian of Lebanon, Missouri, Travis Pappan of Waynesville, Missouri, Candice Hildebrandt and her husband Cory of Buffalo, Missouri, Haley Embry and her husband Nate of Richland, Missouri, Genice Wilson and her husband Scotty of Arkansas, McKenzie Smith of Lebanon, Missouri, Kaylee Felker and her husband Charles of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Taylor Martinson and her husband Bobby of North Dakota, Chad Smith and his wife Melody of North Dakota, Danny Smith and his wife Sarah of Conway, Missouri, Adam Smith and his wife Hillary of Lebanon, Missouri, and Adam Pitts of Lebanon, Missouri; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her daughter-in-law, Debra (Smith) Murrell of Lebanon, Missouri; her sisters-in-law, Maxine Dotson and Judy Dotson, both of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Lois farmed with her husband during the early years of their marriage. She then was employed by the H.D. Lee Company. Early in their marriage, they owned and operated the Madison Grill Café in Lebanon.
In 1983, her sweet husband Gilbert suffered a stroke and Lois cared for him the next twenty-seven years. They loved each other unconditionally. Lois would give you a kiss and say, “Love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck”.
Lois loved to shop at K-Mart when it was still open in Lebanon, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Aldi and Walmart. She decorated her home in Dollar Tree items. Red was her favorite color and Christmas was her favorite holiday. She went all out decorating for Christmas.
Lois loved to care for her flowers and would comment, “They don’t talk back”. She also enjoyed trout fishing, taking care of the birds, gardening and canning. She also liked to do word search puzzles and watch “Wheel of Fortune”.
Lois looked forward to babysitting her precious grandchildren. They brought her so much fun and joy.
Lois was known for her kindness and generosity. She was a hard working woman and always supportive of her family and loved ones and was present in their lives in a meaningful way. All will remember her crazy, pretend laugh that entertained (scared) everyone. She was known for hosting wonderful get-togethers and family celebrations.
During the last fifteen months, Lois was cared for by her daughter, Lisa. The family would also like to recognize Jennifer and Jess of Compassus Hospice, and family friend, Kelly, for the care provided.
Her life was a life well lived and she will be remembered for years to come.
Funeral service for Lois Smith will by Friday, March 21, 2025 at 2 p.m. in Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5- 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery.
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