Sandra Marie Smith, 82, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Leo and Zona Small in Smith Center, Kansas, she lived a life full of creativity, love, and family devotion. Sandra attended elementary school in Smith Center, Kansas, and high school in Great Bend, Kansas, before marrying the love of her life, Cory Smith, on June 4, 1961. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage.

Sandra and Cory lived in various places, including Manhattan, Kansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Springfield, Missouri; Birmingham, Alabama; Springville, Alabama; and eventually returned to Springfield, Missouri, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Cory Smith; her loving daughters, Stephanie Smith, and Lori McCroskey and son-in-law Tom McCroskey; and her cherished granddaughters, Kali Salazar and her husband Cameron, and Koriah McCroskey. Sandra is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Leon Small, Darin George, Arlene Wagner and her husband Dave, and sister in law, Donna George. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, David George and her beloved pup, Sammie.

Sandra’s life was filled with hobbies that expressed her artistic spirit. She was an avid gardener, sewer, decorator, painter, card maker, and flower arranger, always finding joy in creating beautiful things. Her warmth, creativity, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sandra’s family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, leaving behind a legacy of love and artistry that will live on through the lives she touched.

Services will be held at Greenlawn East in Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will take place on Monday, October 7th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life service on Tuesday, October 8th, at 1:00 PM.

The family invites those who wish to honor Sandra Smith to consider making a donation to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri 65803 in her memory, as her pup was the second love of her life.