Dusty Lynn Smeltser

Dusty Lynn Smeltser, age 57 of Canton, Mo, died Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Payson, IL. Dusty was born March 8, 1968 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Donald Wayne and Judy Ann Maple Shepard. She attended Payson schools and was a 1987 graduate of Payson-Seymour High School. Also in 1987, she was crowned Queen of the Payson Old Settlers. Dusty worked part time in the County Clerks Office at the Lewis County Courthouse in Monticello, MO. She attended The Crossing Church in Quincy, a place that felt like home for her. Dusty enjoyed volunteering at the Lewis County Historical Society in Canton, MO. Dusty loved decorating, designing, and researching family history. Additional hobbies included reading, tinkering with her dollhouse, and simply hanging out with her beloved family. Family and love were her number one priorities in life. After her children were grown and gone, with families of their own, her grandchildren became the light of her life and the twinkle in her eyes. Survivors include: her parents, Donald and Judy Shepard of Payson; three children, Ashley (Andy) Gallaher of Coatsburg, IL, Austin (Gracie Hord) Jansen of Nashville, TN, and Saige Smeltser of Kahoka, MO; two grandchildren, Owen Gallaher and Colt Gallaher; a brother, Donnie (Shawna) Shepard of Quincy; and two grandmothers, Ada Hunsaker of Quincy, and Jan Maple of Liberty. Dusty was preceded in death by: three grandparents, Alfred Maple, Merle Hunsaker, and Donald Shepard. Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Services: 10:00 am, Friday, October 3, 2025, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Dr. Chuck Hetzler officiating. Burial will follow in Payson New Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Quanada. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com www.hansenspear.com Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.