Lera Mae Smith

Mae Smith, 85, of Unionville, MO, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, September 4, 2015.

Lera Mae (Clinkenbeard) Smith was born in Omaha, MO, on June 21, 1930, the daughter of Oscar and Bessie (Mullins) Clinkenbeard, who preceded her in death. She was reared in eastern Putnam County and attended rural schools there. Mae married Robert D. Smith in Pollock, MO, on April 8, 1950, and he preceded her in death on November 30, 2007.

Mae and Bob made their home in the Hartford area of Putnam County for most of their married life. Mae worked at Una Carson’s Café on the north side of the square in Unionville in her younger years. She then worked at Ross Produce with her sister Grace. Mae worked in the kitchen at the Livonia school until that closed and then worked as a cook at Putnam County R-1, retiring in 1989 after 20 years on the job.

Mae was a person with a bright and smiling personality who enjoyed being with people. She especially loved her family. She was a voracious reader, reading through the Bible on more than one occasion. She also liked to embroidery and quilt. Mae was well known for her Christmas baked goods which she sold all over town. Mae was an avid fan of “Wheel of Fortune” and liked to play the piano and sing. She was a member of Hartford Baptist Church.

Mae Smith is survived by two sons, Robert “Bobby” Smith of Brookfield, MO; and Rick (Sandy) Smith of Unionville, MO; and one daughter, Debbie Smith of Unionville, MO. Her surviving grandchildren are Megan Smith, Justin Smith and Casandra Casady and her surviving step-grandchildren are Ellen Adlesperger, Caleb Adlesperger, and William Adlesperger. She is also survived by great grandchildren Kaylynn and Ashlynn Kneedler and Raley and Maelynn O’Connel. Eleven step-great grandchildren, 13 step-great-great grandchildren and 1 step-great-great-great grandchild also survive as well as a brother, George (Marge) Clinkenbeard of Unionville, MO, a sister-in-law, Eileen Chapman, Crocker, MO, and several nieces and nephews.

Others who preceded Mae in death where four sisters, Letha Campbell, Reta McDannald, Mary Clinkenbeard, and Grace Cullum; and four brothers, Alonzo Clinkenbeard, Wilbert Clinkenbeard, Eugene Clinkenbeard, and Leslie Clinkenbeard. She was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Peggy Smith, and a granddaughter, Malinda Garr.
Funeral Services for Mae Smith will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home at 11:00 am on Monday, September 7, 2015, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Hartford Cemetery east of Unionville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.