Nellie Ellen Smith

Nellie Ellen Smith, age 87, of Bruner, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025. She was born May 7, 1938, in Willow Springs, Missouri, the daughter of Leonard and Erma (Haxten) Rader.

Nellie graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1957. On May 29, 1958, she married the love of her life, Roy Bennet Smith. From this union three children were born, Richard Lee, Karen Kay, and Randy Bennett.

Nellie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished taking care of her family with amazing home cooked meals and was well known for her chicken and noodles and homemade rolls. Her interests included fishing, taking annual trips to the lake, and family deer camp. She also loved restoring furniture, going to yard sales, and spending time with the family.

Nellie's family and friendships encompassed all aspects of her life, and each was special to her. She was warm, caring, and thankful for a life well-lived. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at a young age. She will be forever in our hearts, always in our thoughts.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Roy Smith; parents Leonard and Erma Rader; her brothers, Royal, Darrell, Edwin, Duane, and Donald; a Sister Shirley Roadlander; and a great-grandson, James Wayne McHaffie-Barr.

She leaves behind her son, Richard Smith and wife Patricia, daughter Karen Bell, son, Randy Smith and wife Sandy; Seven Grandchildren, Ryan and Adam Smith, Misty Cunningham, Kristy Maggard, Taylor and Mitch Cummings, and Josh Smith; Seven Great-Grandchildren, Austin, Dallas, and Levi Hutchinson, Sierra and Kayden Jackson, and Kenzie and Macy Cummings; Brother in Law, Bud Mayfield, and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

A visitation will be held 1:00 pm on Friday, June 13, 2025, with a service following at 2:00 pm in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark with Rev. Oren Alcorn officiating. Burial will be in Sparta Cemetery, Sparta, Missouri.