Dorothy Smiley

Dorothy Elizabeth Smiley, 82, of Strasburg, Missouri, was born Tuesday, March 9, 1926 in Prairie Home, Missouri, the daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Kaempfer) Byler. She departed this life Sunday, December 7, 2008 at her home near Strasburg.

On January 5, 1947, Dorothy was united in marriage to Milfred S. Smiley, who was still in the service, in Prairie Home, Missouri. They lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Augusta, Georgia, New York City and Kansas City, before settling on their farm near Strasburg in 1959.

She was a 1944 graduate of Prairie Home High School. During World War II, she worked as a machinist for Pratt & Whitney, later she worked briefly for General Electric Credit and as a Gray Lady to the VA Hospital. After they moved to the farm she became a homemaker, caring for her elderly mother for over 10 years until her death at the age of 93, and was a care giver for the blind in the area.

She made her profession of faith early in life and was a faithful member and worker for Baptist churches wherever she lived. She taught Sunday school for several years and had been a member of the Women's Union Mission for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of East Lynne.

Her hobbies included gardening and flowers when her health allowed.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers Garland, Joel, & Charley.

She is survived by her husband Milfred and her son Robert Smiley both of the home; three brothers Roger Byler of Big Wells, Texas, Forrest Byler (and Ellen) of Raytown, Missouri, and Harold Byler of Prairie Home; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home. Pastor Charles Turner of the First Baptist Church of East Lynne officiated. Burial was in the Lone Jack Cemetery. Casket bearers were Richard Beard, J.D. Byler, John Byler, Samuel Byler, Loren Ray Houseworth, and Fred Smiley.

Online condolences may be sent to the family and the video tribute may be viewed at www.stanley-dickeyfuneralhome.com