Nelle Elizabeth Smith Hoenshell passed away peacefully January 15th at St. Lukes in Carthage, Missouri at age 95. She was born June 28th, 1930 in Springfield, Missouri to Richard Ritter Smith and Garland Dorothy Downs Smith. She attended Star and Campbell grade school, Jarrett Junior High, and Springfield High School (Central). She graduated with the class of 1948 where she was a member of the Kiltie Drum Corp and active in the music department. Nelle attended Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield where she was a member of Pi Kappa Sigma and the Drum Corp.
On October 27th, 1950 she married Kenneth B. Hoenshell of Jasper, Missouri. They made their home in Jasper for 56 years before moving to Carthage, Missouri. Nelle was a school teacher and substitute teacher for several years. She was a member of the Jasper Methodist Church for over 60 years. She and Kenny were active with the MYF nurturing many youth to follow Christ. She was also active in UMW, Dorcas Circle, and was an avid quilter.
She loved The Lord, her husband, her family and her community!She and Kenny raised 3 sons and were so proud of the men they have become.She taught us to love, how to have fun, to do the right thing, to be fair, and love everyone like family. She has left a lasting legacy.
She is survived by one brother David Smith (Rae), her sons: Gary (Patty), Bob (Penny) and Steve (Willa), 6 grandchildren: Nathan Hoenshell (Sara), Callie Gourley (Jesse), Josh Hoenshell (Corina), Jessica Hilton (Wade), Brook Walker (Shandon) and Brittany Lepper (Austin), and 14 great grands: Hadley, Magnus, Dausen, Hunter, Alli, Andrew, Oaklyn, Molly, Sadie, Alaya, Caymen, Skylynne, Adalynn and Anna Jo.
She was preceded in death by her husband Kenny, brother Bill Smith and sister-in-law Patti Smith.
Memorial contributions can be made to Jasper Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Due to upcoming weather conditions, the visitation has been moved to February 1, 2026 from 1: to 3:00 p.m.
Read More
