Juanita Rose Smith

Juanita was born on September 2, 1920 in Dover, Vernon, Missouri, the sixth of seven children born to William and Bertha Garrett.

Juanita and Emro Smith, (died 1985) were married in December 1938. They had two sons, Emro "Jim" Smith (Elaine Smith) of Independence, MO and Donald Smith of Kansas City, MO.

Juanita and Emro began their life together farming in Missouri but relocated to the city early in their marriage. Juanita worked at National Bellas Hess while Emro worked at TWA (TransWorld Airlines). They enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States often on TWA flights. Juanita related accounts of them traveling (for an upgrade of $10) in First Class where the in-flight meals were served on china plates! Besides traveling, Juanita enjoyed cooking and baking. She delighted in trying new recipes that she often found in the Capper's Weekly publication from Nevada, Missouri.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren alike, were always excited to discover what she had filled the mushroom-shaped cookie jar with during a visit to grandma's house. Even though Juanita enjoyed the city life, she continued to garden growing beautiful flower beds and vegetable gardens. Juantia left her job to bravely battle cancer when radiation treatments were still quite new. She encouraged others, especially the children who were also undergoing treatment. With the victory over cancer, Juanita discovered a local quilting class. She traded vegetables from her garden for quilting lessons. Quilting soon became her creative outlet. She created beautiful, artistic quilts for her granddaughters' weddings and whimsical quilts for family and friends celebrating the birth of a child as well as quilt designs just for the challenge of completing an intricate design to give as a treasured gift. "Growing up six of seven on the farm was hard work, but we knew how to have fun too," Juanita often said when she shared stories of her life with family and friends. Her oldest brother, Mark, gave her the only doll she ever called her own as a child. This influenced Juanita as an adult to collect Barbie Dolls as a hobby. She especially enjoyed the anniversary and special collectors' edition Barbies given to her as gifts from family and friends.

Juanita's personal relationship with Jesus Christ inspired her to help others. Juanita actively served the Lord in the Winwood Baptist Church for 1S years and was always ready to help her neighbors with a ride to an appointment or to run errands. She often cooked meals for those recovering from surgery or illness.

Juanita is survived by her two sons; Emro (Jim) Smith (Elaine), and Donald Smith along with three granddaughters Kathy Adams (Brian), Debbie Middleton (Mike), and Tami Wright; two grandsons, Scott Smith (Maggie) and Ryan Smith; along with nieces, nephews, and multiple great and great-great grandchildren living all across the United States.

A visitation for Juanita will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a graveside service to follow all at White Chapel Funeral Home 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO 64119.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dwnwhitechapel.com for the SMITH family.