Miree Ellen Smith

Miree Ellen Smith, age 95, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, in Chouteau, Oklahoma. Born on June 9, 1929, in Independence, Missouri, Miree was the daughter of Floyd Coomer Smith and Alise Miree (Hufferd) Smith. She married the love of her life, John Smith, on July 20, 1951. Together, they shared a life of deep faith, community service, and unwavering devotion to their family. Miree dedicated much of her life to being a homemaker and working in the foster care system, where she touched countless lives with her kindness and compassion. As a pastor’s wife and the wife of a community college president, Miree embraced her supportive roles with grace, often taking part in a variety of church and college-related activities that reflected her servant heart. A gifted and accomplished artist, Miree worked in pencil, pastels, oil, and acrylic paints, specializing in landscapes, portraits, and horses. Her creativity and talent brought beauty and joy to many. Later in life, when her brother Robert returned to Independence, they began a unique collaboration crafting and performing marionettes shows for schools, churches, and community organizations across the greater Kansas City area. Their passion extended into teaching children at the Independence Art Center, where they led workshops on carving and assembling marionettes, culminating in student performances—including a memorable presentation of Peter and the Wolf with the Independence Symphony.

Miree is survived by her son, John Smith and wife Vicki of Creston, IA; daughter, Leanna “Annie” Blair and husband Randy of Pryor, OK; daughter-in-law, Sharon Smith of Independence, MO; sister, Edrie Lu Nickerson of Independence, MO; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; former daughter in law, Tami Smith of Mesa, Arizona; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Miree Smith; her beloved husband, John Smith; sons, Robin and Stephen Smith; brothers, Eugene, Donald, Byron, and Robert Smith; sisters, Marjorie Smith and Kathleen Small; and a dear friend, Coy West. Miree will be remembered for her creative spirit, gentle heart, strong faith, and the love she poured into her family, her community, and the many children whose lives she touched.

Miree's family wants to give a heartfelt thank you to Meadowbrook Nursing Center in Chouteau, OK. The moment my husband and I entered the facility we felt such a warm and positive energy. Touring the facility, we recognized the interaction between the residents and staff that we had not seen in the other facilities we toured. You could see and feel that the staff truly love their jobs and that they truly love their residents. I never worried about my mother because I knew she was in caring hands. The love and tenderness they give to the residents is truly amazing. How do you adequately express the gratitude you have to the people who made your mother's last days so happy.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel in Pryor. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To leave her family a message or share a memory, please visit shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.