MILDRED G. SMITH

Mildred G. Smith, 89, of Richmond, MO, died at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Shirkey's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond with her family at her side.
Mildred was born December 22, 1922 in Holdridge, NE. She married Thomas Q. Purcell on November 11, 1944; he preceded her in death in 1967. She later married Richard L. Estes on October 23, 1970; he preceded her in death in 1973. On September 28, 1978 she married Rev. William R. Smith who preceded her in death in 1998.
Mildred is survived by her six children: Thomas Q. Purcell and wife Carla of Frankfort, IL; Dr. James D. Parker and wife Rose of Lainsburg, MI; Frank A. Purcell of Richmond, MO; Barbara S. Konzak and husband Phil of Liberty, MO; William G. Purcell and wife Paula of Richmond, MO; and Cora L. Borja and husband Robert of Milpitas, CA. Other survivors include sixteen grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren.
In addition to parents, Walter J. Parker and Mary R. Tunison, Mildred was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert Parker and James Parker; one sister, Mary Jean Eddie; and one grandson, George Christopher Purcell.
Mildred worked in the war effort during WWII in an aircraft factory. She was a loving homemaker dedicated to training up her children and grandchildren in the saving grace of Christ's love. She spent many hours praying over each child and grandchild, praying over their salvation and commitment to Christ. Mildred was beloved by the community, investing in the lives of others through involvement as a Foster Grandparent, caring for a number of elderly women at the end of their lives, and volunteering at Ray County Senior Center. Mildred is known to many as "Mrs. Clause", as she and her husband Rev. Smith, aka "Santa", listened to many children's Christmas wishes over the years. She was a member of Christian Union Church and Christian Fellowship Ministry. Mildred's life was a testament to her love of God and family. Throughout her life, she touched many people with her generosity and selfless acts of kindness. Mildred will be missed dearly, but we know she is healed, made whole and rejoicing with our savior now. We will see you in the morning mom.


Visitation will be at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, MO on Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. Funeral services will be held at Thurman Funeral Home on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 11am. Burial will be at Richmond Memory Gardens. Family suggests contributions be made to Shirkey's Hospice and Palliative Care.