Pam Smith

Pamela S. (Ling) Smith passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by her close family at the age of 81. She was a devoted mother, cherished wife, beloved grandmother, inspiring teacher, and loyal friend.
She was born July 31, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of the late Carl and Ann Jean (Donaldson) Ling.
Pam lived a life that was a beautiful reflection of love in every stage of her life. As a mother, she offered her children unconditional love through every season of life. As a wife, she spent forty years of her life devoted to loving and caring for Ben D. Smith. Her grandchildren were one of her greatest joys in life and filled her heart constantly with pride, laughter, and countless treasured memories. Pam even had beloved "Mammaw Days," with her grandchildren that were always filled with memorable moments that will forever be missed by those who were blessed to be a part of them.
She was a deeply passionate and dedicated educator who touched countless lives. She has influenced everyone who was able to get to know her, whether that was inspiring her love for horses to those around her or encouraging them to follow their dreams in writing, architecture, or even in her footsteps of education. She will forever be remembered for her spirit and beliefs that life is too short to not follow your heart.
Pam found her greatest peace at the lake in Shell Knob, Missouri, a place she considered her sanctuary. Whether creating lasting memories at the family cabin fishing and taking boat rides to Pizza Hut, hosting friends and playing a game of dominos, or simply floating peacefully on a raft near the dock listening to the Margaritaville Radio Station, the lake brought her immense joy.
She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. However, her love, her captivating laughter, and her gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Pam is survived by her husband of 42 years, Ben; two sons, Jeff Lindsey and his wife Tina, and Rod Lindsey and his wife Twyla; a daughter, Bengie Gray and her husband Jim; two brothers, Steve Ling and his wife Lynne, and Scott Ling and his wife Jenny; six grandchildren, Eric and his wife Paulina, Benjamin and his wife Liana, Drew and his wife Erika, Thomas and his wife Sarah, Taylor and her husband Will, and Jewelia; six great-grandchildren, Xander, Easton, Elsie, Beatrix, Margeaux, and Sibby; a sister-in-law, Betty Montgrain and her husband Bob; a niece, Rosemarie Smith, many other nieces, nephews, relatives and many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carl and her mother Ann Jean Johnson
A celebration of her life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Twin Oaks Country Club in the Oaks Room.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Springfield Teachers Association or the American Cancer Society.