Patricia Lea Smith

June 6, 1943 - March 21, 2020

Patricia Lea Smith, daughter of the late Henry L. and Reba (Durnell) Peterson was born on June 6, 1943 in San Diego, California, and departed this life on March 21, 2020 in Buffalo, Missouri. At the time of her passing she was 76 years, 9 months, and 14 days of age. Patricia grew up and attended school in Springfield, Missouri. She was united in marriage to William Larry Smith on July 29, 1960 and to this union 5 children were born, 4 of whom survive her. She worked as a Nurses Aide and a Med Tech for many years, and truly loved caring for people. She cherished spending time with her grandkids, loved food and Diet Pepsi, and enjoyed working in her garden and canning her vegetables. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting in her free time. She was a strong Christian woman who lived her faith. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband William Larry Smith; her parents; one son, William R. Smith; one sister, Linda Joe Willis; one granddaughter, Ashley Smith; and one great-grandson, Kamdden William Woods. She is survived by one son, James Smith of Buffalo, MO; three daughters, LeAnne & husband Jerry Nutt of Tunas, MO, Pam Triplett of Buffalo, MO, and Cynthia Henderson of Ozark, MO; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves other family members and many friends who will all truly miss her. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020 in the Macedonia Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Escorts will be Josh Triplett, Brandon Bass, Dallas McGuire, Dakota McGuire, Timothy Smith, and Jerry Nutt. Honorary Escorts will be James Smith, Troy Smith, Dottie Allen, and Jewell Owens. Friends may call Wednesday until 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the ASPCA.