Margaret Lee Smith

Margaret Lee Smith, age 96, of Liberal, Missouri, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Wildwood Assisted Living Facility in Joplin, Missouri.

Born on September 10, 1928, at home to Jim and Dorothy Bunton, Margaret lived a life rooted in faith, family, and community. On April 12, 1947, she married Donald James Smith at Hannon Freewill Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri. They shared a loving marriage until his passing on November 23, 2002.

For more than 30 years, Margaret and Don farmed in the Liberal area before moving into town to semi-retire. Margaret had a passion for gardening, often sharing her skills and knowledge with her grandchildren. However, quilting was her true artistic gift—she loved hand cross-stitching quilts and then carefully hand quilting them. Her family treasures the beautiful heirlooms she created with love and patience.

A devoted member of Hannon Freewill Baptist Church, Margaret was actively involved in women's ministries, always offering her time and kindness to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Phil Smith and wife Janet of Liberal, Missouri; Cindi Fletcher and husband Dale of Joplin, Missouri; and Leah Nell Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Jennifer and Jon Page, Aaron and Renee Thompson, Melisha and Ryan Meredith, Jason and Mandy Thompson, Courtney Shafer, Morgan Shafer, and Katie Smith. Additionally, she was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don; her son, Linden Ray "Butch" Smith, who passed away on January 25, 2003; and two sisters, Ellen Marie Lipscomb and Lucy Noyes.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Hannon Freewill Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri, with burial to follow at Barton City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hannon Freewill Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared online at www.dfhlamar.com.

Margaret’s legacy of love and faith will continue to live on through her family and the many lives she touched.