Dorothy Pauline Smith

Dorothy Pauline Smith, 87, passed away on July 4, 2020, in Independence, MO.

Dorothy was born on November 15, 1932, in Saline County, MO, the daughter of Jas Everett Hedger and Julia Lee Dennis Hedger. She met her future husband, Gordon Wilburn “Smitty” Smith at a dance in Fairmount, and they wed on July 3, 1949. To this union were born four children.

Dorothy was a stay-at-home mom until her children were able to go to school, then she began working as a bookkeeper for businesses such as Montgomery Ward, Woolco, Western Auto, and Sam’s. She was a long-time member of Rockwood Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and GA’s leader. She was a member of the Grain Valley Booster Club, the PTA, and a den mother. She loved going to the beach or road trips with her family, and even had the chance to go on a couple of cruises. Dorothy enjoyed outdoor activities including tending to her garden and admiring butterflies. Inside pastimes like catering weddings, cooking, baking beautiful cakes were her specialty. She also enjoyed reading and sewing; including the children’s outfits when they were growing up. When she was younger she enjoyed dancing with her husband. After the children were born, family time revolved around the Lord and all church activities. Her generosity and kindness for others truly had no limits. She is loved and will be missed.

Dorothy is survived by her three children: Wayne W. Smith (wife Janice), Dennis Smith (wife Cecilia), and Brenda Wallace (husband Randy); grandchildren: Robin Smith Trask, Keith Smith Upham (wife Elizabeth), Tim Smith, Janette Smith Drader, Jeffrey Smith, Angela Kainer, Jason Smith Glass, Levi Miller, Robert Scot Sodano (wife Brooke), Bradley Michael Sodano (wife Sami), and Joseph Gordon Sodano; 16 great-grandchildren; one great great grandchild and brother Carl Wittig.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Gordon “Smitty” Smith; son Robert J. Smith; great grandson Liam Sodano; father Jas Everett Hedger; mother Julia Lee Wittig; step-father Oscar Wittig; and two brothers.

A visitation will be from 9-10am, with funeral to follow at 10am, both Friday, July 10, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave. She will be laid to rest in Mount Washington Cemetery following the funeral. Online condolences may be left at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Carson-Speaks 816-252-7900)