Olive Louise (Louise) Burke Smith was born May 4, 1921 in Ohio to James Burke and Amy Snider Burke. She passed away at her home, surrounded by family, on June 6, 2019.
After the death of her mother, the family moved to Bates County in 1930. She attended schools in Bates and St. Clair counties. She was united in marriage to Buford Martin Smith of rural Butler, Missouri, on September 14, 1939. They purchased the family farm east of Butler where they were blessed with four children.
Louise worked with her husband on the farm in their row crop and livestock operation. After the death of her husband of 58 years in 1997, she continued to live on and manage the farm with the help of her family.
Family was Louise’s priority. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Her favorite times were those spent around the table with family, and extended family, laughing and sharing stories.
Louise was preceded in death by her mother, Amy Snider; her father, James Burke; her stepmother, Lillian Burke; her two brothers, Mike and Roy Burke; and grandson, Darren Arthur Gilmore. She is survived by three daughters and one son: Karen Gardner; Martina (Walter) Gilmore; Anita Smith; and James (Tammy) Smith, all of rural Butler, Missouri. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Lora (Hugh) Gustin; Nancy (Landon) Simons; Elizabeth (Jeff) Cox; Curtis (Brenda) Gilmore; Zephaniah (Haylee) Smith; and Casinda Smith. Eight great grandchildren: Hayes Gustin; Sydney Cullison; Kinsey Simons; Cordell, Jake, Burke and Reid Cox; and Brayden Smith. Three step great grandchildren: Trey and Caden Gustin; Adelyn Knipp.
Louise gave her life to Jesus Christ at an early age and had a strong faith. She was the family prayer warrior. She always reminded her family she had a good relationship with the Man Upstairs. At the end of her life she was at peace knowing she would be united with Jesus and her family in Heaven.
