Two lives joined in marriage June 13, 1952, and their earthly journey culminated in heaven within an hour of the other on Jan, 17, 2021, due to complications of COVID-19. Russell was born Feb. 6, 1930, to Raymond and Ruby (Sanders) Smith in Mountain Grove. Jeanette was born on Jan. 12, 1935, to Everett and Ermil (Carter) Moore, also of Mountain Grove, where their families attended church at Mountain Valley Free Will Baptist Church and where they each accepted the Lord and were baptized in Whetstone Creek as teenagers. They are now members of Beacon Free Will Baptist Church in Raytown.
Russell enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 and after dating and much letter writing, he asked Jeanette to marry him. When he was home on leave, they were joined in marriage on June 13, 1952, after she graduated from high school. They began their marital journey by moving to Bremerton, Wash., where Russell was stationed. Money was scarce, but they were in love and together, so they were happy. They often laughed about pawning their wrist watches to buy tickets to go to a movie for 25 cents a piece knowing that payday was near. After faithfully serving his country for four years, they returned to the Kansas City area where Russell worked in construction and Jeanette worked as a stenographer and Secretary for the Great Lakes Pipeline Company for several years. They soon built their first home in Raytown, then another in Independence and then their last home in Blue Springs. They were blessed by the arrival of two daughters, Pamela Diane and Kimberly Kay, who were their pride and joy. Russell began working for J.R. Stewart Construction Company, where he soon became the construction superintendent of home construction until his retirement. Russell enjoyed working with his hands. Whatever was broken, he could usually fix. Being the mother of two little girls was the joy of Jeanette’s life! Creating a lovely home, dressing the girls in ruffles and bows with their hair curled, was her greatest pleasure. She was always dressed beautifully and usually wore a pretty necklace with a little “bling” Despite multiple health issues, including multiple sclerosis, Jeanette fought hard to maintain her home and care for her family, putting the needs of her family before her own. Jeanette loved her flower gardens, she had the most beautiful roses! She also love arts and crafts and painting beautiful pictures with her sister. Russell and Jeanette loved and adored their grandchildren, spending time with them meant the world to them. Oh how they looked forward to each visit. The Smith and Moore families were always close-knit by having brother and sister marrying brother and sister, thus creating a beautiful relationship between the two families. Up until this past Christmas (COVID-19), the two families would get together each year prior to Christmas to celebrate and enjoy spending time together. Sometimes as many as 50 people. Everyone was anxious to get a piece of Jeanette’s coconut crème pie, her specialty.
Russell and Jeanette were preceded in death by their parents; their daughter, Pamela (Smith) Thomas; siblings, Carmen L. Smith; Wayne Moore; Darrell Moore; and Angilee (Moore) Neher. Their survivors include their daughter, Kimberly and husband, Ben (Joe) Richardson, of Oak Grove; grandchildren, Sarah Colstion-Krause and husband, Josh, of Kansas City; Lauren Thomas Orona and husband, Anthony, of Merritt Island, Fla.; and Cody Richardson, of Blue Springs; great grandchildren, Mila Richardson, of Blue Springs; Reid Orona and Chase Orona, of Merritt Island, Fla.; and Noah Colstion, of Kansas City; Russell’s sisters, Mahalla L. Cravens, of Hartville, and Janice Moore (Jerry), of Independence; Jeanette’s brother, Jerry Moore (Janice), of Independence; sister in-law, Jean Moore, of Mountain Grove; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service for Russell and Jeanette Smith was held on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at the Blue Springs Cemetery in Blue Springs. Arrangements were entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Russell and Jeanette and words of comfort for their family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
