Smith, Vivian R. E. 1935-2024 Rushville, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

RUSHVILLE, Mo. – Vivian Rose Etta Smith, 89, of Rushville, Missouri, passed away Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born Feb. 28, 1935, in St. Joseph, daughter of Florence Delois and Lionel “Dollie” Pummell. On May 9, 1962, she married Francis Smith.

Vivian spent many years as a homemaker and was a foster mother, where she took care of many children over the years. She was an avid bird lover, raised many birds over the years and proud member of the Sierra Club. Her many talents over the years included creating flower arrangements, upholstery work and sewing. She enjoyed playing the piano, dancing and reading, especially her Bible. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved taking care of others. She was a member of Missouri Valley Baptist Church.

Vivian was preceded in death by husband, Francis Smith in 2019; children, Lenetta Decker, Valerie Decker, Robert Smith, Joyce Taylor; her parents; and brothers, Ellis Sr., Donald, Richard and Randolph Pummell.

Survivors include children, Dollie Haywood, of St Joseph, Laurie (Paul) Billington, of St. Joseph, Melonie Decker, of St. Joseph, Betheen (Mike) Weems, of Rushville, Estella (Gerald) Ferguson, of St. Joseph, Katie Smith, of Albany, Missouri, Jonathan (Jennifer) Smith, of Rushville, Mike Smith, of Atchison, Kansas, Richard (Cindy) Smith, of St. Joseph, Gary Smith, of Rushville, Terry (Valerie) Smith, of Union Star, Missouri; grandchildren, Dameon, Duane (Jamie), Leonard, Jeremy (Cheryl), Ginger, Lorea (Russ), Richarda, Matthew, Misty (Chris), Edwin, Clinton (Denise), Jesse (Madison), Athena, Valerie (Chris), Aaron (Sierra), Amber (Eric), Brent, Dillon, Destiney, Shane and Shawn (Shelby); numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and step-grandchildren; brother, Leon (Gayle) Pummell, of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Ms. Smith has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Rupp Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday. Inurnment will be at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, in St. Joseph. Memorials are requested to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.