Mary Lou Smith, 88, of Kansas City, MO, formerly of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away on Monday evening, April 13, 2020 at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO, with her daughter by her side and surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends around the country.
Mary Lou was a woman of strong faith and great love. Her family finds peace knowing that she has gone to be with the Lord and her loved ones who have passed on before.
Born Mary Louise Hollingsworth on July 28, 1931 in the family home on a farm outside of Ashton, KS, she was the youngest of 3 children born to Louie and Ruth (nee Lowry) Hollingsworth. Her father passed away when she was 13 months old. Mary Lou attended a 1-room country school through the 8th grade then moved to town with her mother to attend Arkansas City (KS) High School from where she graduated in 1949.
Mary Lou married Roy Smith on March 24, 1951 in Arkansas City and were married 66 years until Roy’s death in March 2017.
They were proud parents of Steve, Becky (Fletcher) and Debbie and loving grandparents to Justin, Joshua and Jeremy Fletcher and Hannah Smith and great-grandparents to Abigail and Andrew Fletcher. Mary Lou worked for many years as a secretary in the ES School District. She was an active member at Barbee Memorial Presbyterian Church and P.E.O. and was recognized as a P.E.O. Golden Girl, 50-year member, in 2017. She also enjoyed being involved in and supporting many organizations and activities in Excelsior Springs over the years.
Her hobbies included playing bridge, doing handcrafts, namely counted cross stitch, reading, gardening, fixing Christmas candy and being with friends and family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Ruth Hollingsworth; husband, Roy Smith; daughter, Rebecca (Smith) Fletcher; and her brother, Forest Hollingsworth.
She is survived by her son, Stephen (Tanya) and granddaughter, Hannah of Omaha; daughter, Debra of Kansas City, MO; grandsons, Justin (Lupe) of Yuma, AZ; Joshua (Melissa) and great-grandchildren Abigail and Andrew of Excelsior Springs; Jeremy (Karlissa) of Wheatland, WY; sister, Naomi Kahle of Ponca City, OK; nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
Visitation and a Celebration of Life Service will be announced when the COVID 19 restrictions are lifted.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army or to the Opportunity Café in Excelsior Springs, MO.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sorry for your loss. Mary Louise was such a sweet lady.
Susan Martin
Mary Lou was such a lovely lady! She was always so very sweet to me as was her wonderful husband Roy. I cherish their sweet spirit, my love to them both.
Donna Frazier
Nile and I loved Roy and Mary. They were so down-to-earth, like those we grew up with. We were always in awe of the things that could make.
Gail Brown
Debbie and Steve and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m glad I got to know your mother. She was a very sweet and kind friend!
Jo Ann Morris
Both your father and mother were an important part of our profession and social life. Respected colleagues and good neighbors. Your mother took care of me for years at the High School. Your father was a valued member to the Excelsior Springs educational community. Both will be greatly missed. Please accept our condolences.
Ron and Jill Huettenmueller
Mary Lou was a wonderful asset to the Lewis Middle School staff. She made life easier for us through some difficult principals. We also shared the same birth date, July 28.
Barb Buehrer
