Ilah I. Smith, 1917-2003, Smithton

Ilah I. Smith, 86, of Smithton, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

She was born Sept. 1, 1917, in Smithton, a daughter of Frank and Bessie Bluhm Monsees. On Sept. 1, 1938, in Smithton, she was married to Sheldon C. Smith, who died Jan. 26, 2001.

Mrs. Smith was raised and educated in the Smithton area. She was an active member of the Smithton United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir and volunteered when she was needed.

She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She was a woman of many interests, including gardening, fishing, mushroom hunting and camping.

Surviving are two sons, Robert Smith, of Raytown, and David Smith, of Jefferson City; a daughter, Cathy Hammons, of Sedalia; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by four brothers, Olen Monsees, Lowell Monsees, Evert Monsees and Dick Monsees.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Gary Smith officiating.

Pallbearers will be John Hammons, Jr., Eric Hammons, Jeff Smith, Chuck Smith, Michael Allen, Eric Sliger and Troy Eichelberger. Burial will be in Smithton Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel, where the family will receive friends from noon until service time Wednesday.

The family suggest memorial contributions to the charity of the donor's choice in care of the funeral chapel.