Ella Marie (Rodgers) Smith

Ella Marie Smith, nee Rodgers, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Steelville, Missouri passed away Monday, November 27, 2017 in St. Louis. She was born July 12, 1916 in Daisy, Arkansas to Lewis Rodgers and Daisy Henry Rodgers. On October 16, 1930 in New Hope, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to Luther Smith and to this union four children were born. After living in Arkansas for almost eight years, she and Luther moved to St. Louis where he went to work at Cole Pharmaceuticals Co. and Ella woked at Eden Publishing House. In 1969, they retired and moved to Steelville. They became dedicated volunteers in the community volunteering at Golden Echoes and Gibbs Care Center and were active members at the First Baptist Church. After moving back to St. Louis, she became a member of the Fee Fee Baptist Church. Ella was also involved in the Order of Eastern Star and was a past Worthy Matron.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Luther Smith; two sons, Don Smith and Charles Darwin Smith; one daughter, Betty Castelli; three brothers, Lake Rodgers, L.J. Rodgers and Booker Rodgers; and one sister, Gladys Holcombe.

Ella is survived by one son, Harry Smith of Normandy, MO; one sister, Pearlean Johnson; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

The Family received friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Collier Funeral Home in St. Ann, MO.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Collier Funeral Home with Rev. Andrew Yakel officiating. Special music of "Amazing Grace" was played.  Memories were shared by family members.

Committal prayer and interment were in the Lake Charles Park Cemetery, St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, MO. Special music of "Eye is on the Sparrow" and "Going up Yonder" was sung by Daphne Richardson and Key McCloud.

Honored to be casket bearers were Craig Smith, Chuck Kroupa, Brian Smith, Jeff Smith, Dawn Hood and Harry Smith.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

 Service Information