Martha Marie Smith, the daughter of Rolla and Ivoree (Knizley) Adams, was born December 2, 1933, in Tarkio, Missouri. She attended Rock Port High School, Rock Port, Missouri, graduating in 1951.
On December 27, 1953, Martha was united in marriage to William J. “Bill” Smith at the Church of Christ in Hamburg, Iowa. Because of Bill’s military service, they lived in numerous locations and became the parents of four children, Terri, William J. “Jerry”, Steven, and David.
In 1978, they returned to Rock Port. Martha was a homemaker, caring for her children. She was then employed for Beth Underwood Women’s Clothing Sales. The couple later moved to Maryville, Missouri, where she lived until the present time.
Martha was a member of the Rock Port Baptist Church and Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville. She enjoyed painting, sewing, and decorating cakes for her grandchildren. Most of all, Martha enjoyed spending time with family. Martha passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Parkdale Manor, Maryville, Missouri, at the age of 90.
Besides her parents and husband, Bill Smith, Martha was preceded in death by sons, Jerry and Steve Smith; siblings, R. Raymond Adams, Lucile Adams, and Don (Shirley) Adams; and sister and brother-in-law, Barb (Duane) Deatz. Survivors include children, Terri (Bob) Phillips, Maryville, and David (Christine) Smith, Norwood Young America, Minnesota; grandchildren, Chris (Robbie) Phillips and Denise Phillips, all of Maryville, R. David Gavert and Alexander Smith, both of Norwood Young America, and Zachary Smith, River Falls, Wisconsin; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Carter, and Phoenix Phillips; sister, Anna Wolf, Rock Port; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Monday, September 9, 2024, at Rock Port Baptist Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Richard Boettner. Interment was at Greenhill Cemetery, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to Rock Port Baptist Church or Greenhill Cemetery, Rock Port. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.