Mary Lou Smith, 88, formerly of Excelsior Springs, MO. passed away April 13 at North Care Hospice House with her daughter by her side and surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends around the country.

Mary Lou was a woman of strong faith and great love.  Her family finds peace knowing that she has gone to be with the Lord and her loved ones who have passed on before.

Born Mary Louise Hollingsworth on July 28, 1931 in the family home on a farm outside of Ashton, KS, she was the youngest of 3 children born to Louie and Ruth (Lowry) Hollingsworth.  Her father passed away when she was 13 months old.  Mary Lou attended a 1-room country school through the 8th grade then moved to town with her mother to attend Arkansas City (KS) high school from where she graduated in 1949.

Mary Lou married Roy Smith on March 24, 1951 in Arkansas City and were married 66 years until Roy’s death in March 2017.

They were proud parents of Steve, Becky (Fletcher) and Debbie and loving grandparents to Justin, Joshua and Jeremy Fletcher and Hannah Smith and great-grandparents to Abigail and Andrew Fletcher.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Rebecca (Smith) Fletcher, and brother, Forest Hollingsworth.

She is survived by her son, Stephen (Tanya) and granddaughter, Hannah of Omaha; daughter, Debra of Kansas City,MO.; grandsons Justin (Lupe) of Yuma, Arizona; Joshua (Melissa) and great-grandchildren Abigail and Andrew of Excelsior Springs; Jeremy (Karlissa) of Wheatland, WY; sister, Naomi Kahle of Ponca City, OK; nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be announced when the COVID 19 restrictions are lifted.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army or to the Opportunity Café in Excelsior Springs, MO.