Alice Luane Blecha-Smith

Luane was born on October 18, 1939, in Brumley, Missouri, to Ted and Bethel (Robinson) Stamper. A proud daughter of Brumley, Luane carried deep affection for her family's roots in Miller County and took care to preserve the stories of those who came before her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Dale Stamper; her first husband, James Blecha; her second husband, David M. Smith; and her grandson, Nathan Blecha. During her years with James, Luane embraced a full and joyful social life — hosting legendary card nights and gatherings at the house, including a pig roast that no one who attended was likely to forget, and gathering with the community at fish fries at St. John's Catholic Church.

Growing up in Brumley, Luane could often be found wading in the creek behind the house with her closest friends, playing hide and seek, and finding every manner of mischief and adventure that a Missouri childhood could offer. That spirit of adventure never left her — she and a dear friend once turned an innocent blackberry picking outing into a memorable escape from a very determined dog.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri University and began her professional life as an elementary school teacher, a role she cherished. After 1980, she pursued a successful career in real estate, work she genuinely loved — from holding open houses to the lifelong friendships it brought into her life, including more than a few adventures with those dear friends, among them a memorable trip to Las Vegas. In her younger years, Luane had a spirited side. She was known to take her hot rod to Bagnell Dam and hold her own on the drag strip, a story that brought a smile to anyone who heard it.

Luane is survived by her sons, Michael; Steven (Shelley) Blecha and their children, Clayton and Riley; and by her daughter, Bethre (Chris) Means and their daughter, Gwen.

A lifelong Missourian, Luane spent her final years in Imperial, Missouri, where simple joys defined her days — a glass of iced tea, a sunny afternoon on the riding lawnmower, and the company of the family and friends she loved so dearly. She had a special fondness for bluebirds, and those who were closest to her will smile knowing that her excitement over them could, on occasion, get the better of her tongue. She will be remembered with love and with a knowing grin by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Gott Cemetery. Checks may be made payable to Ronsol Tomson and mailed to 284 Pea Ridge Rd., Tuscumbia, MO 65082.

Services to honor Luane will be held on Thursday, June 11, and Saturday, June 13, 2026. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home in Arnold, Missouri, on Thursday, June 11, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following. A Catholic funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church, 4614 Blue Springs Rd., Imperial, MO 63052.