Smith Funeral Home & Chapel

03/15/2026

Making the choice for your final resting place is a personal decision that creates a lasting legacy. 🕊️

It's about clarity and peace of mind.

Learn about navigating options, asking the right questions, and pre-planning for your loved ones.

Choosing your final resting place is a profound and personal decision that reflects your values and desired legacy. Key factors to consider, including navigating options like religious or family sections, above-ground choices, and ensuring convenience for loved ones. It is important to ask essential...

03/13/2026

Today is National K-9 Veterans Day!

They serve with loyalty, bravery, and unconditional love. 🐕

Today we honor all retired and active K-9 veterans who have kept us safe.

Join us in saying thank you! 🐾❤️

03/12/2026

Laura J Robertson

Laura J (Knopp) Robertson, age 101, of Hannibal, MO departed this life Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Luther Manor Retirement & Nursing Center of Hannibal.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Rev. Mark Hughes will officiate. Burial will be at Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation celebrating Laura's life will be held on Thursday at Smith Funeral Home & Chapel at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Laura was born in Hannibal to Emmett and Gretta (Bridge) Knopp on September 15, 1924.

In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Harold J. Robertson, on February 25, 2019, and one brother, Charles Roger Knopp.

She is survived by her nieces, Lisa Knopp Lawrence (George) of Tulsa, OK and Kelly Knopp (Tony Cellino) of Tulsa, OK; many nieces and nephews on Harold’s side of the family, as well as several cousins.

Laura graduated from Hannibal High School in 1942 and attended secretarial school. She was an excellent secretary and was known for her accurate, neat work. Harold often teased Laura about the exact placement of the items on her desk, which were sometimes moved around during her lunch hour.

In May 1948, she married Harold Robertson at First Presbyterian Church in Hannibal where she has been a lifelong member.

She enjoyed needlework and gardening, as well as the many trips she and Harold took throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Hannibal or NEMO Humane Society, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Laura's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com

View Laura J Robertson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/12/2026

Protecting your people is the ultimate act of love. ❤️

Planning for the future doesn't have to be daunting!

Start with these 5 easy steps—no caskets required. 😉

It's the highest level of 'adulting' you can unlock. Read more in our latest piece!

Let's cut through the awkwardness: the idea of pre-planning your funeral probably feels about as fun as a root canal. It’s dark, it’s daunting, and it feels entirely unnecessary when you’re busy building a life. But what if it wasn’t about planning for death, but about protecting the people ...

03/10/2026

Barbara Ann Rueter

Barbara Ann Rueter, age 72, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 3:20 PM Monday, March 9, 2026, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

The family will host a celebration of life service at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel of Hannibal.

Barbara was born on February 22, 1954, in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Delores (Benedict) Page.

She was united in marriage to John Curtis Rueter on September 21, 1990, in Keokuk, IA.

Survivors include her husband John Curtis Rueter of Hannibal, MO; son, Raymond Martinez of Leavenworth, KS; daughters, Chrissy McDaniel and Angie McClain (Jeff) of Keokuk, IA; stepson, Sam Rueter (Andrea) of Labelle, MO; sisters, Vickie Ray of Florida and Pamela Cole of Iowa; grandchildren, Jasmine Rose McDaniel, Patrick Martinez, Megan Garcia, Ashleigh Garcia, Trevor McDaniel, Camden Rueter and Quaid Rueter; great-grandchildren, Aiden McClain, Alaina Stewart, Jon Stewart, Amber McClain, Kali Rash, and Jayden Martinez.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rueter was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Page; sisters, Theresa Page, Marjorie, Grelk, Louise C**n and Renee Page.

Barbara had previously worked as a beautician and later was a cashier at Walmart until her retirement.

Barbara was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Ely, where she enjoyed being a part of the quilting guild.

Barbara enjoyed doing arts and crafts, crocheting, watching westerns, and making beautiful roses out of bread. Barbara's biggest love was the time spent visiting with her family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Luther Manor Retirement & Nursing Center, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel

Online condolences may be made to the family on Barbara's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com

View Barbara Ann Rueter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/10/2026

James Lowry

James Lowry, age 70, of Hannibal, MO passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Per James' request no services will be held.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

View James Lowry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/10/2026

The smallest paws leave the biggest prints on our hearts. 🐾❤️

The loss of a pet is a unique and profound grief. They are family, and their absence is deeply felt.

If you're struggling with the silence they left behind, know that your feelings are valid and you are not alone.

Our new blog post, "The Quietest Paw Prints," offers a gentle, empathetic look at honoring the incredible bond you shared with your beloved companion.

For more support, including memorial ideas and coping strategies, download our free guide, "Forever in Our Hearts,".

To the outside world, it was just a pet. But to you, they were a silent confidant, a source of unwavering comfort, and a constant, loving presence. The loss of an animal companion creates a unique and often underestimated void. Their absence echoes in the quiet moments—the empty bed, the unused le...

03/09/2026

A eulogy is one of the most heartfelt tributes we can offer.

It's a chance to honor a loved one's life, share cherished memories, and find comfort in their legacy.

If you've been asked to speak, remember it's a true honor.

Read our guide for tips on how to prepare and speak from the heart. ❤️🕊️

A eulogy is a heartfelt speech given at a funeral or memorial service to honor the life, personality, and legacy of the deceased. It is an opportunity to share cherished memories, stories, and reflections that celebrate the impact the person had on others. Typically delivered by close family or frie...

03/07/2026

☀️ The Best Trade-Off of the Year!

Sure, we lose an hour of sleep this weekend, but think about what we get in return: The Golden Hour is back! 🌅

Starting Monday, the "work-sleep-repeat" cycle gets a much-needed glow-up. No more heading home in the pitch black. Instead, we’re getting:

🌱 More time in the garden before the sun goes down.
🏃‍♀️ Evening runs that don't require a headlamp and reflective vest.
🍔 Patio dinners and backyard hangs that actually feel like daytime.
✨ Extra energy to dive into those hobbies you’ve been putting off all winter.

It’s amazing what one extra hour of light can do for the soul. Let’s make the most of it! What are you doing with your extra hour of daylight this week? 👇

03/06/2026

The "Pink Wave" is here! 🌊

Women now make up over 60% of mortuary science students, bringing a fresh, empathetic, and collaborative approach to end-of-life care.

This isn't just a trend—it's the future of funeral service, rooted in a history of women as caretakers.

We're honored to see the industry evolve! ❤️

The funeral profession is undergoing a significant change, known as the

03/04/2026

Planning a final resting place shouldn't be a mystery. 🕊️

Modern cemeteries are changing. From eco-friendly "green burials" to high-tech memorial parks with digital transparency, families have more choices than ever before.

Our latest blog post breaks down the top questions consumers are searching for—from veteran burial benefits to the truth about burial vaults.

Read the guide to make an informed, personalized plan for the future.

This guide,

03/03/2026

The quiet hours of the night can feel like the heaviest time when you're grieving.

If loss is keeping you awake, please know you are not alone.

It's a painful but normal part of the process. Poor sleep and grief are a vicious cycle, but small steps can help you find rest.

Be gentle with yourself and seek support. ❤️

Sleeplessness is a common and normal part of the grieving process, creating a vicious cycle where grief disrupts sleep, and exhaustion makes it harder to process loss. The stress of loss triggers emotional and physical reactions like intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and loneliness that prevent rest.