Gene Marie Kell Smith passed away April 10, 2015 in Springfield, MO. She was born in Springfield on March 22, 1930 to Esco V. and Imogene Kell.Gene lived her early years in West Plains, MO, graduating from high school there in 1948. Her adult years were lived in Mtn. Grove, MO where she raised her family.Graduating from Southwest Missouri State College in 1970, Gene taught several generations of Mtn. Grove area children as a beloved kindergarten teacher.She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Joan Schwartz.She is survived by her children, Cynthia Nelson, Nocona, TX, Randall R. Smith and wife Toni of Springfield, MO, and Christopher A. Smith and wife Sarah of Nashville, TN. Surviving also is a granddaughter, Haley M. Smith and her best-bud Stephen Reese of Chicago, IL, and great-granddaughter Vivian B. Smith-Reese also of Chicago. Other survivors include Gene’s sister Nancy Beard of San Antonio, TX, her brother James Kell of New Hampshire, a special cousin and dear friend Howard McCrabb of Jefferson City, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.An avid reader, traveler, music lover and kite flyer, Gene adored her children, her grandchild and great-grandchild, and her students. She possessed a beautiful smile, great strength of character, and a fervent desire to constantly learn.A private family service will be held.Special thanks from the family to The Manor at Elfindale and Preferred Hospice for their attentive, compassionate care.Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at pdf.org, or to the charity of donors choice.