Funeral Services for Wanda Sue Smith, Age 78 of Hartville, Missouri will be held on Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at The Wolf Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Mansfield, Missouri, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in The Steele Memorial Cemetery, Hartville, Missouri.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Wanda’s name to the Wolf Creek Free Will Baptist Church by way of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville, Missouri.
Wanda Sue Smith was born December 9, 1947, in Stella, Missouri, to Melvin Amos and Hattie Louella (Bonham) Swofford. She departed this life on July 27, 2026, from Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 78 years, 7 months, and 18 days.
In her younger years, Wanda played softball at Norwood High School, where she later graduated from. Wanda met the love of her life, Jack Ray Smith. On June 12, 1965, they were united in marriage at the Rock Chapel Church in Norwood, Missouri. When she started her career, Wanda worked her way up to office manager with Se-Ma-No Electric Co-op, where she was employed for over 42 years. While employed with Se-Ma-No Electric Co-op, she simultaneously took college courses at Southwest Missouri State University.
As a young mother, Wanda was constantly running her children around to various competitions, 4-H activities and many fairs. Wanda had an immense love for her family. Wanda also made a huge impact on the lives of many children. She led the CTS program at her church and was responsible for establishing other CTS programs throughout the state of Missouri. She was fortunate to see many of “her kids” she coached win district, state and national championships. Wanda was selected at the national level to be the Drill Master for Bible Memorization, where she attended 32 National CTS competitions. During that time, she was once recognized as the leader of the year.
Hailing from a family of singers, Wanda’s love of singing continued throughout her life. She also enjoyed fishing, softball, and the Kansas City Chiefs. When the Chiefs were on, she would often be seen yelling at the TV, supporting her favorite team! Wanda was a fiercely competitive person.
Wanda loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and strived to live her life as a testimony of Him. She attended Wolf Creek Free Will Baptist Church of Mansfield, Missouri, for over 30 years.
The family would like to thank Wolf Creek Free Will Baptist Church and Bethel Free Will Baptist Church of Marshfield, Missouri, for the love, help, and support they have provided to the Smith family during this difficult time.
Wanda’s parents; brothers, Darrell, Dewey, and George Swofford; and sisters, Pauline Plummer and Berniece Van Fosson, precede her in death.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jack Ray Smith of Hartville, Missouri; sons, Jeffrey Keith Smith of Hartville, Missouri, and Jon Ray Smith (Renee) of Marshfield, Missouri; daughter, Judith Dawn Clinkscales (Larry) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Rita Ellen Smith of Hartville, Missouri; grandchildren, John Harmon, Brooke Logan, Ty Smith, Matthew Clinkscales, Jason Clinkscales, Dalton Clinkscales, Cade Clinkscales, Ethan Smith, Hayden Smith, Precia Markus, and Levi Wheat; 20 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and a host of friends.
