Dorothy Jane Rouch Smith was born December 15, 1919, in McCook, NE, to Hazel and William Everett Rouch. She is survived by one sister, Miriam Raynolds (Wes), Springfield, MO, daughter Jari Frisbie (Virgil), Springfield, MO, son Don Smith (Mary), Phillipsburg, KS, four grandchildren, Daphne, Aaron, Vanessa, and Matthew, and six great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Huel, parents, and one brother, Donald, who gave his life in action during World War II. She was also preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Ann Conour.

Dorothy spent her early years in McCook, NE, and Denver, CO. After graduating from McCook High School in 1936, she attended North Central Bible College and later took a year of nurses training. She owned and operated two grocery stores in McCook.

Music was a big part of the Rouch family and Dorothy involved herself in various ways vocally and instrumentally. She and her dad led their church orchestra where she played string bass and sang in many groups. Her string bass went with her across the country whenever she moved and she was always happy to use her talents for the Lord.

Huel Smith of Sheridan, AR, was stationed at the Air Base in McCook and he and Dorothy met at a Youth For Christ rally. After recovering from the initial shock of a guy asking to “carry her home,” she grew to love him, they blended their north and south cultures, and were married.

Huel and Dorothy began their married lives in Shreveport, LA, but moved back to McCook following World War II and Huel’s discharge from the Air Force.

Dorothy worked for the McCook Police Department as a dispatcher and served as a deputy sheriff for Red Willow County. Following Huel’s job transfer to St Louis, MO, Dorothy worded for the US Government. She cared for both her grandmother and her mother in their later years. Being a red head, she had plenty of spunk but also a great sense of humor and wit.

Dorothy had a great love for God, the Bible and the people of the Middle East. Huel and Dorothy took several trips to Israel and surrounding areas. In 1992, Huel passed away while they were working at a Christian Arabic bookstore on a short term assignment.

After Huel’s death, Dorothy moved to Maranatha Village in Springfield and reconnected with many friends as well as meeting many new friends.

She was a friend and encourager to all she met. She will be deeply missed by her large circle of family and friends

Services will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Maranatha Village, 233 E. Norton Rd, Springfield, MO, with visitation to be held one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. 

Donations may be made in Dorothy's honor to the Church School Service Incorporated, PO Box 452, Licking, MO 65542 or to Integrity Hospice, 2960 N Eastgate Ave, Springfield, MO 65803.

Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com.