Lola E. Smith

Lola E. Smith, 95, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia. She was born October 16, 1930, in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank Ewers and Carrie (Gander) Ewers, who preceded her in death.

On December 24, 1952, at the Church of Christ in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, she was united in marriage to LeRoy Jason Smith. He preceded her in death on August 5, 2015.

Lola was a proud graduate of Soldiers Grove High School and lived a life marked by hard work, service, and a deep love for learning. Over the years, she worked in four different banks and was also involved in journalism, running the Linotype, serving as co-editor for the Soldiers Grove newspaper, and writing news articles for two different newspapers. She later worked at Greenway Manor in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and served as a Special Education aide at River Valley High School in Spring Green. Lola also volunteered at Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois.

In her free time, Lola found joy in the simple, meaningful things: tending to flower and vegetable gardens, crocheting, sewing, working crossword puzzles, reading, and cooking for family and friends, especially when company came to visit.

Lola is survived by one son, James Smith (Elisha) of Monticello, Illinois; four daughters, Esther Avery (John) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Melinda Smith of Lincoln, Illinois, Brenda Sowers (Dave) of Columbia, Missouri, and Amy Elvers (Dale) of Sedalia, Missouri; one sister, Phyllis France of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Rebecca Frey (Darin), Marie Hallstrom (Tim), Jonathan Sowers (Rachel), Nathan Sowers (Annette), John Mark Avery, Cody Elvers (Kimberly), Samantha Bowlin (James), and Esther Joella Smith; fourteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, Lola was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas, Roger, and Jim Ewers; a brother-in-law, Robert J. France; and a sister-in-law, Rita Ewers.

A visitation and memorial service will be announced at a later date this spring. Burial will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Show-Me Christian Youth Home, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.