Therese Smith

Mina Therese Kathleen (Groff) Smith, lovingly known as Grandma Smith, was born January 13, 1928, to Harry and Zeta Groff. She was the third of six siblings and the last to reunite with them in Heaven.

Therese graduated from high school in 1946. After graduation, she married the love of her life, Richard Omer Smith, affectionately called Corky, on February 5, 1949. Their marriage was distinguished by her unwavering love and dedication. Therese and Corky worked together to provide for their family of six, often working opposite shifts.

After coming to know Christ, their faith became central to their lives, serving for over a decade in the Bus Ministry at Blue Ridge Baptist Temple, focusing on outreach to children in the Grandview area. They served together until Corky's passing in 2006. She became a member of Southland Baptist Church and continued serving when and where she could. Two of her favorite acts of service were in the nursery and Sagmount Baptist Church Camp.

Grandma went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 17, 2025, after 97 blessed years. She was preceded into Heaven and welcomed by her husband Corky, daughters Virginia Maciejewski, Carol Lombardo, Deborah VanBrunt, and son Richard (Ricki) Smith as well as a grandchild, great-grandchildren, and a great-great- grandchild. She is survived by daughters Linda K. Leslie-Newcomb of Raymore, MO; Diane (Don) Bennefeld of Peculiar, MO; eleven grandchildren, twenty-nine great- grandchildren, and twenty-three great- great- grandchildren with 1 expected and numerous other family and friends

The family asks that memorial donations in honor of Grandma Smith be sent to Southland Baptist Church 16205 Vicie Ave Belton, MO 64012, designated for Sagmount Baptist Church Camp, where she joyfully served for over 40 years.