Smith, Lois 1936-2024 Branson, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

BRANSON, Mo. – Lois Holmes Smith went to be with the Lord on April 12, 2024, with her family by her side at Branson, Missouri.

Lois was born Aug. 25, 1936, the youngest daughter of Velma (Williams) and Victor Holmes in Albany, Missouri. She attended the University of Omaha and Missouri Western State College. Lois was employed by law enforcement agencies and by colleges in Missouri and Texas for over 40 years before retiring in 1999. She and Larry had enjoyed 46 years together, living, working, traveling and being with family.

Lois was a survivor. She saw many changes in her lifetime. To all her family and friends Lois would leave one thought: I DID IT MY WAY.

Lois was preceded in death by daughter, Kay Whitsell; son, Lonnie Smith; brother, Wallace Holmes; sister, Lorene Kerns; grandson, Ryan Griffin; her parents, Victor and Velma Holmes; and in-laws, Mildred and Marion Smith.

Lois is survived by her loving husband, Larry Smith, of the home, Forsyth, Missouri; daughter, Julie Hummer (Mike), of Clarksdale, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Melanie Smith, Forsyth; son-in-law, Bruce Whitsell, Clarksdale; son, Rance Smith (Bernadette), Topeka, Kansas; son, Mike Smith (Lisa), Topeka; daughter, Robin Carpenter (Lewis), Topeka; granddaughters, Christa O’Dower Hummer, Kherri Dean Hummer, Bethany Drier, Cammy Cook, Ashley Gibbs, Jayme Warren, Angela Griffin, Sarah Smith, and Jessica Fushino; grandsons, Derek Dorsey, Lucas Whitsell, Justin Hummer, Tanner Smith, Zachary Carpenter; and several great-grandchildren; in-laws, Mary and Jim Chance; and two special caregivers, Anna Kenoyer and Lora Barton.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 17 at 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Highway 146, Bethany, Missouri, with Bruce Whitsell officiating. Visitation at the graveside starting at noon. Services are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Forsyth, Missouri.

Donations may be made to: Church 3:16, P.O. Box 130, Forsyth, MO 65653, in memory of Lois Smith. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.