Alberta L. “Berta” Smith, age 83, formerly of Kearney, Mo., passed away Monday, August 23, 2021, after losing her battle to cancer.
Alberta was born to Albert Malson and Nellie Bussey on December 21,1937 in Stanberry, Mo. She married Richard L. Smith of Dearborn, Mo.
She studied secretarial education, leading her into bond investment briefly, then work as Paralegal for the rest of her professional career. She was an avid Coca-Cola collector and Hummingbird fanatic. She enjoyed dancing, and won a few dancing competitions with her husband. She enjoyed big holidays with the entire family. Christmas was her favorite holiday.
Alberta was preceeded in death by her mother, Nellie Bussey; husband, Richard Smith; and brother, Richard “Rex” Malson.
She is survived by daughter, Kimberly Hay and son-in-law, Robert Hay of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; son, Jeffrey Smith of Plattsburg, Mo.; five grandchildren, Melody, Harmony, Melina, Abra and Melissa; and seven great grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Bross & Spidle Chapels in Kearney, Mo. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by graveside services at Fairview Cemetery in Kearney, Mo.
In lieu of contributions, family asks for flowers or plants instead.
Our Sincere Condolences
We are so sorry to hear the loss of Alberta. We so loved seeing her when she came to the St. Luke’s Onc Clinic. She had a smile that would warm our clinic. She will be greatly missed.
Shelly Frazier
Alberta and Dick were my first neighbors growing up. After we moved I still went over to help Alberta with weeding her flower gardens and her big garden she kept. She always kept her yard immaculate and perfect just like in a magazine! I don’t know how many hours we spent outside pulling weeds and trimming up to make it look perfect! Then we’d go inside for a break so she’d get me a bottle of water and she’d have a cigarette. I’d always get a voicemail from her saying “Hi Clint, this is old Alberta!” And I knew she was needing help pulling more weeds. I’m sorry I won’t be able to be there but I will really miss Old Alberta!
Clint Johnson
Alberta was a great neighbor, with just the right amount orneryness. We enjoyed her humorous Christmas cards and great laugh. We are sorry to have missed the service. We will miss her.
Marsha and Gordon Rhoades