05/18/2026
Mary Ann (Gladbach) Smith, 87, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family.
A Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21 ,2026 at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. Visitation will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the funeral home, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to My Sister’s Heart or the Garrett Moore FFA Scholarship Fund. Memories of Mary Ann and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our page.
Mary Ann was born on August 31, 1938, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Lawrence and Catherine (Niemeier) Gladbach. She graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1956 and soon after followed her passion for beauty and people by earning her cosmetology certification from Alex Angel Beauty School.
On June 30, 1956, Mary Ann married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, Donald Lee Smith. Together, they built a beautiful life over 69 years of marriage—one centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. They first made their home in Gladstone before settling in Odessa in 1969, where they planted deep roots and created a lifetime of memories.
Mary Ann had a gift for connecting with people. Whether behind the chair as a beautician at Glenice’s and C&R Haircare, at her work with Ferrellgas, or later at Commercial Bank of Oak Grove, she formed lasting friendships everywhere she went. She never met a stranger—only friends she hadn’t yet gotten to know.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and attended Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church. She also poured her time and energy into her community, including the Business and Professional Women organization, the Saddle Clubs in Odessa and Lone Jack, and as a 4-H leader for the Concord Club. As a founding member of the Odessa Puddle Jumpers, she helped create traditions and friendships that lasted for generations.
Mary Ann found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved dancing, quilting, bowling, and traveling with the Bounders Club and dear friends. She especially cherished life on the farm, playing cards around the table, collecting windmills, and making apple butter—often surrounded by those she loved most.
Above all, Mary Ann’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and the heart of her family. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome, where everyone felt loved and cared for.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Donald Smith of Odessa, MO; her daughters, Donetta (Brett) Moore of Mayview, MO, Debbie (Dennis) Lewis of Odessa, MO, and Deloris (Tim) Goetz-Arnold of Lexington, MO; her grandchildren, Janette Moore, Jeremy (Katie) Lewis, Nathan (Kristen) Goetz, Jacob (Maria) Goetz, and Caleb Goetz; her twelve great-grandchildren, Miles, Kaylin, Kenton, Tenley, Cainen, Paxton, Maclaine, Grady, Gretchen, Carter, Conner, and Bowen; who brought her endless pride and happiness; her sister, Deloris Rodgers; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandchildren, Bobby Joe Lewis, Garrett Moore, and Curtis Lewis; her great-grandchildren, Avery Ann Lewis and Mason McQuitty; her brother, James Gladbach; and her brother-in-law, F.M. Rodgers.
Mary Ann will be remembered for her kind heart, her strong faith, her joyful spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.
