Smith

On Dec. 6, 2023, Barbara Ann (Stolte) Smith, loving sister and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away at the age of 85.

Services were held Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Pleasant Retreat Cemetery in Thorndale.

Barbara was born May 3, 1938, in Eden to Walter Emil and Zula Josephine (Henson) Stolte.

She married the love of her life, Leonard (Red) Edward Smith on June 11, 1954, in Thorndale. Married just shy of 70 years, these two were a prime example of true love. Together they had two wonderful daughters.

Barbara spent many years serving her community in various capacities, but her pride and joy lived within her family and the life that she and Red built. She loved everyone in her big, extraordinary family with her whole heart, but there was just something special about “her boys”.

She was known for giving the best blessing before a meal. She was a feisty one that never missed a family function, and you could always count on her to give you her piece of mind.

There was nothing she enjoyed more than watching her grandkids and great-grandkids participate in sports, debate, one act play, power lifting and livestock shows.

You can also bet that she wasn’t going to turn down a good pair of high heel shoes or an opportunity to take a spin around the dance floor.

Barbara was a life-long member of Pleasant Retreat Methodist Church and was a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Zula Stolte; great-granddaughter Hunter Eulenfeld; great-grandson Trey Travis; sister Joyce McCoy; and brother-in-law Henry Jordan.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Leonard Smith; daughters Vickie Niemtschk and husband Anthony of Thorndale, Diana Travis and husband Carter of Thorndale; grandchildren Nicole Abrams and husband Scott of Taylor, Brook Niemtschk and wife Emily of Thorndale, Sean Eulenfeld and wife Caprice of Temple, Dedra Braun and husband Elan of Thorndale, Carter Travis and wife Sandy of Thorndale, Ethan Travis and wife Sarah of Missouri City, Wendy Travis of Richmond; great- grandchildren Ava and Anthony Vicknair, Avery Abrams, Emma and Creek Niemtschk, Emmitt Eulenfeld, Brantley and Lillian Braun, Case and Camryn Travis; sister Judy Jordan; brother-in-law Herschel McCoy; also, numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Pallbearers were Sean Eulenfeld, Brook Niemtschk, Carter Travis II, Ethan Travis, Scott Abrams and Elan Braun.

Honorary pallbearers were Anthony Vicknair, Emmitt Eulenfeld, Case Travis, Brantley Braun, Creek Niemtschk, Darren Vicknair and Avery Abrams.