Nadine Marie Smothers

Nadine Marie “Deenie” (Jackson) Smothers, 87, of Independence, Missouri, passed peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and the countless memories she created throughout a life well lived.

Nadine was born on July 29, 1938, in Dallas County, Missouri. She spent her childhood on farms throughout Dallas County and other areas of Missouri, learning early the values of hard work, faith, resilience, and family that would guide her throughout her life.

On April 6, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Lee Smothers. Together, they built a loving home and shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage before Lee’s passing. Their union was blessed with three children, who remained the center of her world throughout her life.

Nadine enjoyed many activities and friendships that enriched her life. She was an accomplished bowler at Strike-N-Spare Bowl, where she once held the women’s high score record of 276 for several years. She enjoyed wonderful times dancing with Lee and friends with the Silver Dollar Square Dancers. She loved playing cards, traveling, and making treasured memories with dear friends Obid and Chari Kilgore, Bill and Ruth McCulley, Betty and Gregg Tindall, and Ruthie and Lee Compton.

Nadine always had a passion for caring for her family, keeping her home lovely and clean, and cooking delicious meals every day. Over the years, she worked part-time as an A&W car hop, took in ironing, drove a school bus for the Independence School District and served as a bridal consultant at Rosie’s Bridal. However, she readily admitted that her favorite role was leaving her working years behind to become the loving, doting, and devoted grandmother she was meant to be.

Throughout the years, she generously gave of her time and talents. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA Room Mom, and Zion’s League youth leader. A lifelong member of the RLDS Church, now the Community of Christ, she found her faith a guiding force and a steady source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Above all else, Nadine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She devoted herself to caring for others and creating a welcoming home filled with good food, laughter, and love. She was known for being an amazing cook and for making everyone who entered her home feel like family.

Nadine is survived by her children, Mike and Rhonda Smothers of Springfield, Missouri; Greg and Linda Smothers of Trimble, Missouri; and Stacey and Vance Hamann of Blue Springs, Missouri. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Steve & Alisa, Kimberlea & Chad, Allison & Nathan, Ryan & Chae, Abby & Nick, and Kaitlyn & Jake, and a cherished great-grandmother to Bennett, Gentry, Zoey, Amelia, Maisey, Zeke, Lily, Lottie, and Wrenlee Jo. Nothing brought her greater joy than time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee Smothers, and her granddaughter, Amber, whom she carried forever in her heart.

Nadine’s beautiful smile, warm spirit, and welcoming presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family, friends, and faith were the foundation of her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hospitality, strength, and unconditional love.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many relatives and friends who offered years of prayerful support throughout Nadine’s journey with dementia. They also express their deep appreciation for the compassionate care she received from the staff of Benton House/Sage Grove and Luminos Hospice in Blue Springs during her final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Luminos Hospice, Blue Springs, Mo.

"Her love lives on in the hearts of those she adored, and in the many lives she touched with grace, warmth, and endless devotion."

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18th, 2026 from 9-10am at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Her funeral service will begin at 10am with burial to follow at Lobb cemetery. The service will be available to view via livestream, please see the link below.