Barbara Louise Hamlett-Smith, 68, of Nevada, MO, passed away on January 11, 2025 due to a brief illness. She was born on December 29, 1956, in Nevada, Missouri, to Lewis William and Josephine Ruby (Lampke) Hamlett. Barbara was a lifelong resident of Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1976. On August 13, 1982, Barbara was united in marriage to Henry Abner Smith in Miami, OK. Together, they shared nearly 40 years of love and companionship until Henry preceded her in death on September 10, 2021.
Barbara dedicated over 35 years of her life to the Nevada State Hospital. She was well-respected by her colleagues and loved by those who worked with her.
Barbara was a devoted mother to her daughter, Heather Gaither, of the home, and a proud mano to her two grandsons, Jordan Fritts and Shane Fritts. She also had the joy of being a doting great-mano to her four great-grandchildren: Ryder, Otis, Hudson, and Maverick. Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her immense happiness.
Barbara's hobbies reflected her love for beauty and nature. She loved fishing, a peaceful pastime that brought her joy. She also had a deep affection for collecting tribal figurines and unicorns.
Barbara was preceded in death by both of her parents, Lewis and Josephine Hamlett; her beloved husband, Henry Abner Smith; one sister, Bonnie Hamlett-Bourland; and five brothers, Faylon Griggs, Chester Dale New, Jerry New, Joe Wilkin, and Charles New. She was also preceded by her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Heather Gaither, of the home; two grandsons, Jordan Fritts and his wife Courtney, and Shane Fritts and his wife Amiya; four great-grandchildren, Ryder, Otis, Hudson, and Maverick; her sister, Brenda Masur and her husband Randy; her brother, Bruce Hamlett and Terri Starbuck; her sister, Betty Robbins and her husband Darryl; her sister, Lona Fritter Fraser and her husband JD; her brother, Carl New and his wife Mary; and one sister-in-law, Cheryl Griggs. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 prior to the service at the funeral home.
Barbara’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her family, friends, and all who knew her will remember her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
