Lucille Loretta Smith

Lucille was born on February 20, 1929, to Martha and Joseph Podorski in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Joseph Podorski, Teresa Spitz, and Anthony (Tony) Podorski.

She married Rushing Elroy Smith on August 26, 1950. They shared 36 years of marriage until his passing on August 12, 1986. During much of their marriage, Lucille raised their four children primarily on her own while her husband traveled extensively for work.

Lucille is survived by her four children, Rushing Elroy Smith II and wife Maureen, Darnetta Miles, Rodney Smith and wife Judy, and Russell (Rusty) Smith and wife Kim; ten grandchildren, Kelly Waddell and husband Travis, Jennifer Arrieta and husband Diogenes, Sarah Smith and husband Gordon, Rushing Smith III and wife Bekah, Morgan Lambert and husband Blake, Jordan Rinker and husband Lance, Elizabeth Smith, Ryan Batchler and husband Matt, Hunter Smith and wife Katie, and Jenna Smith and husband Colby; twenty two great grandchildren; and her dear friend Sue Kelly, with whom she shared a special and cherished bond.

As a young adult, Lucille was a member of Tip Toppers, a social club for tall people, and was voted Miss St. Louis. Stylish to the very end, she never left the house without her makeup, especially her lipstick, perfectly applied. She also devoted time to volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Lucille had a lifelong love of bunny rabbits. She kept several as pets and joyfully decorated her home with stuffed bunnies and a beloved collection of bunny themed dinnerware.

Known affectionately as Big Red by close friends and family during her years as a red head, Lucille will be remembered for her elegance, strength, and the love she poured into those fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org, one of Lucille’s favorite charities.