Rebecca Ann Smith

Rebecca Ann Smith, daughter of the late Gordon J. Milne and Cherie Nell (Dissman) Milne, was born on August 3, 1949, in Ames, Iowa. Due to her father’s service in the military, Rebecca spent her childhood in various locations, moving as her family was transferred to different places. During her high school years, the family lived in England, where Rebecca completed her secondary education and graduated from high school. After finishing high school, Rebecca relocated to Hardy, Arkansas, where she became a nanny for a local family. While living in Hardy, she met Samuel Eugene Smith. The two were united in marriage on November 15, 1968, in Hardy. Their marriage spanned more than 57 years, and together they raised two children, Scottie Lee and Samantha Ann. Rebecca and her family spent a brief period living in Little Rock, Arkansas, before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, where they resided for 15 years. In 1986, they settled in Waynesville, Missouri, which has remained their home ever since. For several years, Rebecca worked as a realtor. However, the majority of her career was devoted to being a homemaker. She took immense pride in caring for and nurturing her family. Rebecca especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, making family a central part of her life. Rebecca was an avid reader in her spare time and enjoyed watching classic television shows. She also had a deep appreciation for music, often found listening to her favorite songs or singing along. Rebecca passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 76. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, Rebecca was preceded in death by her brother Gary Gray and her sister Jeanne Stufflebean. She is survived by her loving husband, Sammy Smith of Waynesville; her two children, Scottie Lee Smith of Reston, Virginia, and Samantha Ann Hooker (Michael) of Waynesville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Caitlyn Smith, Jacquelyne Hooker-Brasher (Bobby), Wyatt Smith, and Victoria Hooker (Garrett); three great-grandchildren; her brother, Gordon Milne, Jr. (Gale) of Bellevue, Nebraska; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Although Rebecca is no longer with us, her unwavering devotion to her family will remain in our hearts forever. Funeral Services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Samantha Hooker, Rebecca's daughter, delivering the eulogy. Victoria Hooker, Rebecca's granddaughter, read the obituary and recalled her special memories of her grandmother. Rebecca's nephew, Jerry Hobbs, delivered the closing prayer. The songs "All I Have to Do is Dream" by The Everly Brothers, "Amazing Grace" by Celtic Woman, "Down to the River to Prayer" by Alison Krauss, and "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles were played. Serving as escorts were family and friends with burial following in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial Contributions in memory of Rebecca Smith may be made, and contributions may be left at Memorial Chapel.

Rebecca Ann Smith

August 3, 1949 - February 23, 2026