Mona L. Smith

IN MEMORY OF: Mona L. Smith Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Mona L. Smith was born July 27th, in a year we shall not identify, per her demands, and went on to meet Jesus November 8th, 2025. She always said, "A lady does not tell her age and it is not polite to ask." She lived a life of great love and even greater faith. Mona shared her testimony with so many and taught the love of Christ at every opportunity. One would describe her as a fierce prayer warrior, with a direct hotline to God. She was humble in her life, quiet about her battles and bold in her faith. For the past 25 years she waited patiently for God to call her. While she waited, she fought a valiant and faithful battle against a myriad of illnesses and challenges. With each one, she prayed, she trusted and she pushed through them with a grateful heart. Her standard reaction to any new struggle was, "this too shall pass, it is just another hurdle." Many times, doctors and surgeons had to accept that she was a miracle that defied scientific reasoning. She and Bob always wanted a home full of children, so they molded their lives around loving any child who came across their path. They were active in Girl Scouts for many years, serving the local troops as well as camp counselors. Mona devoted countless hours to Sunday School, Bible School and Kid's Club, Band Boosters, The Scott City Senior Center, home daycare and the SC PTO in the earlier years. She was "Grandma Mona" to a good majority of the kids in the town and cooked for anyone who was hungry. She was known for her amazing tea and meals. To say she was loved, is an understatement. She was a private person about her struggles and chose not to share that she was nearing the end of THIS life, but always remained so grateful for those who loved her back. She lived her life HER way and left it in the same manner. Although we know so many would have liked to have known and visited, she wanted people to remember her as a vibrant and feisty lady, not in a hospital bed. Mona was united in marriage to Robert N. (Bob) Smith, September 15, 1962. He preceded her in death in January of 2000. They shared one daughter, LaDonna (Ron) Pratt of Scott City and two additional daughters of the heart: Marsha (David) Baber of Scott City and Kelly (Frank) Tricarico of Nanuet, NY. She adored her precious grandchildren: Lauren (Talon) Casebolt and Ethan (Hayden Collier) Pratt both of Scott City. She also was grateful to have the opportunity to love on her great grandbabies, Wesson and Laramie Casebolt. Her family brought her such joy. She also leaves behind her loving sister-in-law, Kim Martin who has cared for her during the illnesses over the years and they shared many secrets. She leaves her best friend and sister by choice, Barbie Brotherton, who traveled with her through years of love, friendship and raising crazy daughters. She had many beloved nephews and nieces and was so grateful to be a part of their lives. She wanted to offer a special thank you to Toby and Brenda Moyers for cultivating God's beauty so she and others could enjoy it every day. She loved flowers and always saw their beauty as a blessing; one of the Lord's masterpieces. Mona was the 3rd of 6 children to Forrest and Lorraine Willis Dougan. Her surviving siblings are Sally Rendleman of Advance, MO and David Dougan of Lady Lake, Florida. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Neil Dougan, Sidney Dougan, and Beverly Dougan Clark, her parents and brothers and sisters in law. Mona wished to have no formal services or visitation; she is already celebrating in Heaven. Well done, good and faithful servant. We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to Mercy Southeast Hospice nurses: Gina, Julie, Jessica, Pam, and most of all Lisa who sat with her for hours the evening of the 8th. Thank you to Lacroix church, Debbie Sabella, and the home nurses: Dawn Austin and Sue Taylor for their care and continued support. A special thank you to Mindy Petzoldt for her years of excellent nursing care and love. She loved us all. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Mona L. Smith

July 27, 1942 - November 10, 2025