Frances Ann Smarr

Born on January 25, 1931, in Columbia, Missouri, to Merle and Frances Dierking, Ann grew up with the strength, sharp mind, and independence that would define her for the rest of her life. She carried those qualities into every room she entered and every relationship she built.

On November 13, 1953, she married Merle N. Smarr Sr. Their marriage lasted more than five decades and was marked by partnership, endurance, and plenty of laughter. Together they had a gift for gathering people — from epic football tailgates to holiday tables filled beyond capacity — creating traditions and stories that shaped generations of family life.

Together they raised six children.

Ann was, in so many ways, the one behind the scenes making things happen. She helped run Merle N. Smarr General Contractor, often serving as the steady, organizational force, and discerning voice that kept everything moving forward. Together, the couple developed Hillcreek subdivision and Oakland Plaza in Columbia and Liberty Acres in AshIand. If there was a problem, Ann could see it clearly, call it what it was, and figure out how to fix it.

She did not crave the spotlight. She wanted things handled.

What she wanted — insistently, persistently — was for the people she loved to be supported, capable, and okay. Her loyalty ran deep, and if Ann was in your corner, you had a champion for life.

Family members describe her as wise, decisive, assertive, brilliant, strong-willed, and determined. They also remember her as feisty, spunky, and funny, with a sharp edge and impeccable timing. Ann had high standards and very little patience for nonsense. She didn’t hesitate to say what others were only thinking, and she could deliver a look or a line that settled the matter, often at exactly the right moment.

Yet intertwined with that steel was enormous care. She cooked and baked for countless families and causes, showed up when things were hard, and brought bracing levity into moments of heaviness and hurt. She was supportive, talented, creative, intense, and complex — capable of pushing and protecting in the very same breath.

Long after a gathering ended or a crisis passed, people would find themselves remembering the quiet, specific ways Ann had made their lives better.

And she did it all with unmistakable style and spark.

Ann is survived by her children: Cheryl Stevens of Columbia, Missouri; Caryl Smarr (Rick Poe) of Columbia, Missouri; Merle N. Smarr Jr. (Charlotte) of Ashland, Missouri; Brenda Berra (Steve) of St. Louis, Missouri; Russell Smarr (Kristen) of Boston, Massachusetts; and Nancy Witt (Chuck) of Columbia, Missouri; as well as 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Sue Montgomery and Dee White.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Columbia Country Club from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts in Ann’s name to American Cancer Society.

Those who knew Ann will be telling stories about what she said, what she did, and how she showed up for a very long time. The world is better because she was in it, and her strength, laughter, and fierce loyalty will remain with her family always.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com