Mrs. Leona Estell “Lee” Smith, 97, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Capital Region Medical Center.
Lee was born on December 2, 1924 in Meadow, Texas to Gustav and Wallie Rose (Meil) Scheffel. She was a 1943 graduate of Frenship High School in Wolfforth, TX. After meeting her husband, Don Smith, in Lubbock, TX they were married on March 23, 1947 in Centerville, Iowa.
The Smiths relocated to Missouri in the late 1940s. Lee worked in many restaurants before opening Lee and Don’s Tops Café in Versailles. After closing the restaurant, Lee and Don moved to Apache Junction, Arizona to enjoy retirement, but Missouri was “home” and after Don’s passing, Lee returned to Missouri.
Lee enjoyed family gatherings where she could supervise all the kitchen activity before finding the sunniest seat around the house. She loved being outside during the summer, soaking up as much sun as possible near the closest water as long as there was a safety belt nearby. She was active with her church, helping with meals and volunteering where needed. She loved decorating for Christmas and was always in search of the latest fashion trends at bargain prices. She was constantly looking to make a deal and was well known at the area thrift shops. Lee was pleased to pass this treasure seeking thriftiness on to her grandchildren. Lee was also a master rummage saler, always willing to make a U-turn whenever the opportunity arose. Independent, with a razor-sharp mind, she maintained a strong work ethic which she carried through to the end of life.
Survivors include: her daughter, Donna Hill (Gary) of Holts Summit; grandchildren, Cliff Hill (Kate) and Matt Hill; and great-granddaughter, AnnaJo Hill.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; and siblings, Trudy Schuknecht, Edwin Scheffel, Johnny Scheffel, Wesley Scheffel, and Eldie Scheffel.
Visitation will be at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 10:00 until 11:00 AM Monday, January 24, 2022. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Dr. Mark Plaza officiating. Graveside services will follow at Versailles Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 7804 Heritage Hwy, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.