Smith Funeral Home & Chapel

12/31/2025

As the clock winds down, don’t just rush to the future—take a moment to archive the best of the past 365 days. 🧠

What are the three unforgettable highlight reel moments you created?

Honor your journey, close the chapter with gratitude, and carry only the wisdom forward. Here’s to making the next 365 days even more legendary! 🎉✨

What is one specific, happy memory from this past year that you will replay in your head tonight?

12/29/2025

Dorothy E Foubester

Dorothy E. Foubester, age 81, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 9:35 pm Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Rev. Tim Goodman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Antioch Cemetery in rural Hannibal.

Visitation celebrating Dorothy's life will be held at 12:00 pm until the time of the service, Friday January 2, 2026, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Dorothy was born on June 8, 1944, in Hannibal, MO the daughter of Leo N. and Gladys (Ellis) Hecht and then later adopted by John D. Ward and Ruth Irene (Tetter) Ward.

She was united in marriage with her beloved husband, Francis Foubester, on June 23, 1962. Their partnership was a testament to devotion and mutual respect, creating a nurturing home for their family in Hannibal.

Dorothy is survived by her beloved husband, Francis; her devoted sons, Jeffrey D. Foubester (Valerie) and John A. Foubester (Diana); she relished opportunities to create warm memories with her family and cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. The glow on her face while surrounded by her grandchildren-Lindsey Foubester (Phillip), Jennifer Foubester Bowler (Rusty), Phillip Foubester (Shelby), Cassandra Foubester, Paula Schwieter, and Damian Preston and her 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren was a sight to behold; siblings, Robert "Ray" Ward, Imogene Miller, and Joyce Russell and her sisters-in-law, Patty Ward and Wilma Hathaway.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her birth parents and adopted parents, her grandson Troy Foubester, her 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Dorothy graduated from Hannibal High School in 1962. She was a cherished teacher's aide at Mississippi Valley State School and a beloved member of the Hannibal community,

Dorothy was a radiant soul whose passions were as vibrant as her personality. She had a profound love for dance, often seen gliding across the floor with grace. Her faith was strong, deeply intertwined with her active involvement in her church community. Whether it was cooking-using her special recipe for the best peanut butter fudge-or finding joy in family gatherings, she embodied the essence of a loving matriarch who treasured every moment spent with her loved ones. Sitting outside on her swing, dressing to the nines with her favorite jewelry, and indulging in shopping trips brought her immense happiness.

Dorothy's warmth and unwavering love will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and family, continuing to inspire all who follow in her footsteps.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Foubester, David Gerard, Jacob Gerard, Carter Coleman, Aivery Stuart, Damian Preston and Caleb Bowler.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverview Nazarene Church, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

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

View Dorothy E Foubester's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

New Year, New Light: Permission to Embrace Joy ✨

The turn of the year can feel heavy when walking the path of grief.

This year, let's redefine "fresh start" – it's about creating space for future joy alongside the love you carry for yesterday.

Remember, joy is not a betrayal; it's a testament to the love you shared. You don't replace love; you grow around it.

Give yourself permission to try, connect, and pause. Introduce a "Joy Anchor" and redefine "new" with small, gentle shifts.

Your healing, your joy, and your future are all beautiful ways to honor your past. ❤️

This document,

12/27/2025

The holidays are a blend of past and present, but this year, we want to shine a light on the new memories you've already created! ✨

Taking steps to experience new joy is a beautiful, necessary part of healing. Whether it was finally trying that challenging holiday recipe, starting an entirely new tradition with your kids, or simply finding a moment of unexpected laughter—these new moments are gifts.

They prove that life, and love, keeps finding ways to grow.

Let's Celebrate Your New Joy! 💖

We know it can be tough to embrace change, but every new moment you experience becomes a strong, happy thread in the tapestry of your life.

What is the best NEW holiday memory you’ve made so far this December? We want to hear about it! Share your moment in the comments below—the small, the silly, and the spectacular. 👇

12/25/2025

This Christmas, we give thanks for the gift of hope, the comfort of faith, and the love of family and friends. For those who are missing someone dear this year, please know you remain in our thoughts and prayers.

May the peace and light of the season be with you always.
Merry Christmas from Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.✨

12/25/2025

🎄A Quiet Moment on Christmas Day

Today, as the flurry of unwrapping slows, let's take a deep, genuine pause. This is more than just a holiday; it’s an annual invitation to reflect on the profound goodness that surrounds us, goodness often taken for granted in the rush of the year. 🌟

The most significant gifts are rarely found wrapped in paper. They are the health of our loved ones, the resilience we discovered in moments of challenge, the friendships that held us steady, and the simple fact that we are here, together, at the close of another cycle.

Think back over the past twelve months. Remember the hurdles you cleared, the wisdom you gained, and the kindness you were shown. These experiences are the true treasures. 💖

Commit today to carrying this spirit of reflection and thankfulness into the new year.

True contentment comes not from having everything, but from appreciating everything we already have.🙏

Take a quiet moment right now. What is the single, non-material gift (e.g., patience, resilience, a new perspective) that you gained this year that you are most deeply grateful for? Share it below.

12/24/2025

Tonight is all about anticipation, but don't forget you are actively creating tomorrow’s favorite throwback photo. 📸

Every mug of hot cocoa, every wrapped gift, every cozy laugh is an investment in a future memory you’ll smile about.

Be present, be silly, and make sure these moments are worthy of being replayed! 🎄🧣⚡️

What's one tiny, simple detail (a smell, a song, a decoration) that instantly triggers a favorite childhood Christmas memory for you?

Share it in the comments below.

12/23/2025

The holidays can often bring an "undertow of grief," making the empty chair at the table feel deafening. At Smith Funeral Home, we want to help you honor that love through our guide, "Finding Their Light This Holiday".

Sharing a story is a powerful act of connection that brings a loved one's voice and personality back into the room. It ensures the space they filled remains a container for a rich, shared history rather than just an emptiness.

How to share the light this season: 🕯️

Start with a "Favorite": Ask what everyone’s favorite memory of them is during this time of year. 🎄

Share a "Legacy Moment": Talk about a tradition they loved or a piece of life advice they gave you. 🎁

Just Listen: Remember that when someone shares, truly listening helps turn a solitary burden into a shared memory. 👂

This isn't about being "over" your grief—it’s about making sure your loved one remains a vital part of your gathering. ❤️

12/23/2025

This holiday season, let's remember the power of sharing stories to keep the spirit of our loved ones alive. ❤️

Whether it's a funny anecdote or a cherished memory, every story shared validates their existence and reinforces our connection.

When we listen, we witness each other's grief and turn a solitary burden into a shared memory.

How will you share a story this season?

Sharing stories during the holiday season is important, especially when dealing with grief after losing a loved one or pet. Sharing stories helps keep memories alive, validates their existence, and reinforces the enduring connection.

12/22/2025

Decluttering a loved one's belongings is a journey through memories. 💖

It's okay to feel overwhelmed.

This article offers gentle guidance on how to cherish their spirit while creating space for your own healing.

Decluttering a loved one's belongings is an emotional process that allows you to cherish memories while creating space for healing. It's recommended to start with less emotionally charged areas and create a

12/19/2025

Patricia "Pat" A Ruhl

Patricia "Pat" Ann Ruhl, age 82, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 6:20 am Friday, December 19, 2025, at Luther Manor Retirement and Nursing Home.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at a later date at Beacon United Methodist Church.

Patricia was born on December 16, 1943, in Seattle, WA, the daughter of Wilbur and Elizabeth (Beilsmith) Johnston. She was united in marriage to Jerry Ruhl on October 2, 1962, in rural Hannibal in Hydesburg.

Pat is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Ruhl, her adoring children, Devin Ruhl (Sarah) of Stafford, VA, and Dawn Marie Priest (David) of Hannibal, MO, Dee Kay Moore (Rick Baltz) of O'Fallon, MO. Her loving sister Priscella Montgomery (Steve) of Hannibal, MO. Her joy multiplied through her grandchildren, who include Phillip and Amber Brown, Danielle Hudson, Lauren Witt, Samuel Ruhl, Aidan Ruhl, Bailey Ruhl, Anna Moore, and Evan Moore, along with six treasured great-grandchildren who were the sparkle of her eye.

She was preceded in death by her parents, whose guidance and love shaped the extraordinary woman she became.

Patricia graduated from Hannibal High School in the class of 196l. Pat’s professional life was characterized by her work as a librarian clerk at Hannibal High School and her passion for music, sharing her talent by giving piano lessons out of her home for several years. She was deeply involved in her community and touched many lives through her dedicated membership in organizations such as Leaps of Love, Loaves and Fishes, and the Hannibal Art's Council. Furthermore, Pat devoted her time as a Sunday School teacher at Park United Methodist Church, later known as Beacon United Methodist Church, where she extended her love and guidance to young hearts seeking to learn and grow.

Her fingerprints can be found everywhere in the small town she loved dearly, from her interactions with residents to the impact she made through her various roles.

In recent years, Pat faced the challenges of Primary Progressive Aphasia, a cruel condition that gradually took away her ability to speak. This journey was difficult, not only for her but for her family who witnessed the brave adjustments she made, communicating through writing and texting with unparalleled humor. Her daughter fondly recalled the laughter they shared, driven by the whimsical outcomes of autocorrect mishaps, a testament to her joyful spirit even in adversity. The progression of her condition took many things from her, including her balance and mobility, yet never diminished her resolve or zest for life.

Pat was the embodiment of moving forward against all odds; her energy was an inspiration, even to those who often marveled at her remarkable ability to take a power nap sitting straight up. From her love for nature, delight in tending to her flowers, to her baking prowess, and her nurturing spirit in teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she imparted invaluable lessons about perseverance and the significance of following one’s passions.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; she shared this with others and treated her church community as an extension of her family. Pat's strength and dedication to those she loved were profound, and her family will carry her legacy in their hearts forever.

As we celebrate the life of Patricia "Pat" A. Ruhl, we remember her infectious laugh, her mischievous grin, and the warm affection woven into every meal, especially her desserts, which her family fondly recalls as tasting better when made with love by Grandma. While we grieve her passing, we hold tightly to the lessons she taught and the joyful memories she created, promising to keep her spirit alive in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leaps of Love, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Patricia "Pat" memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com

View Patricia "Pat" A Ruhl's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/19/2025

Feeling lost in the landscape of grief? 💔

It's a profound journey, but even a small flicker of hope can light the way.

This article reminds us that grief and hope aren't opposites; they can coexist.

Learn how to make hope a daily practice, one gentle step at a time. You are stronger than you know. ✨

This document,