Mary Ellen Smith

Mary Ellen (Holobaugh) Smith, formerly of Van Buren and Kimberling City, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the age of 89, in Springfield. Mary E. was born on October 14, 1932, in the small northeastern Arkansas town of Black Rock. Mary attended Black Rock schools and was a great student, and a member of the girls’ basketball team. She worked several jobs during high school, and continued her work after graduation. In 1953, she married Franklin D. Smith, a classmate since first grade. Franklin became a basketball coach, and Mary was at his side for over thirty-four years of coaching in seven communities in Arkansas and southern Missouri. Mary and Franklin retired in 1989 and moved to Kimberling City, where they spent a very wonderful twenty-five-plus years of lake life on Table Rock.

Mary enjoyed a good crossword puzzle, and was a masterful Scrabble player. Her meals are the stuff of family lore, especially salmon croquettes, pimento cheese, and hush puppies. She was a shoe maniac, and always made sure that she was dressed to impress. But above all else, her love for her grandchildren stood out the most. Her support, love, and guidance has been special to
each one of them.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Coach Brownie Smith. She is survived by her two sons, Tony Smith, and his wife, Debra, of Springfield, and Scott Smith, of Ozark, and his companion, Kerry Knight. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cortney Smith, and her husband, Jacob Killion, of Oberlin, OH, Tanner Smith, and his wife Emilie, of St. Louis, MO, and Logan Smith, of Springfield, MO.

A private service is planned. A celebration of Mary E.’s life will be announced later this year.

Memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to Seasons Hospice, 1831 W. Melville Road,Springfield, MO, 65803, or on their website at https://springfieldhospice.com/ 

The family would like to express sincere thanks for the love and care Mary received from some very special people at Lakewood Assisted Living and then at the Arbors at Lakewood. Seasons Hospice guided us through the final hours of Mary’s life, and we will always remember their
kindness and care.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.