Belva Smith

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Belva Ruth Twitty Smith, age 92, of Carl Junction, MO passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at West Gate Nursing facility. Belva was formerly of Baxter Springs, KS.

Belva was born October 28, 1931 in Mansfield, MO to the union of O.J. and Mary Fox Twitty.

Belva married Dr. Calvin B. Smith on December 22, 1954 in Welch, OK. He preceded her in death in 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Omer Twitty.

Belva graduated from Monett High School in 1950 with 15 college credit hours. She went on to attend SMS College in Springfield, MO and graduated in 3 years with a degree in elementary education. She taught school in Monett, MO and Tulsa, OK before moving to Baxter Springs, KS in 1955 when she became a proud homemaker and raised her family with love and care. Later, she worked as a receptionist in her husband’s doctor’s office the last five years before his retirement in 1987.

Belva loved her family dearly and her community. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Baxter Springs, KS, where she and her husband sang together in the choir for 35 years. Belva enjoyed the many friendships she had as a long time member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the United Methodist Women’s group. Belva was also a member of the Baxter Historical Museum and served as a docent.

Belva thought the greatest joy of all was being with family. Belva stated that one of her greatest accomplishments in life was raising her children – and the families that they’ve created. Belva said her greatest treasure in life was the years she was able to spend time with her 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Belva truly cherished the time she was able to share in her family’s lives.

Belva is survived by sons David F. Smith (wife Nancy) of Olathe, KS, Mark J. Smith (wife Tina) of Rogers, AR, and a daughter Peggy R. Maher (husband Tony) of Joplin, MO. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Ryan Smith, Brad (Ashley) Smith, Cody (Mike) Duley, Caleb (Katie) Smith, Seaghan (Dr. Eli) Smith Matthews, Hannah Maher, Samuel (Brittany) Maher, Parker (Alyssa) Maher, and Haley (Zach Hall) Maher. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Baxter Springs, KS, with Pastor Dorcia Johnson officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m., in Bethel Cemetery, Monett, MO. Funeral arrangements will be made by Derfelt Funeral Homes, Baxter Springs, KS.

Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Smith, Brad Smith, Mike Duley, Caleb Smith, Eli Matthews, Samuel Maher, Parker Maher, Zach Hall.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at First United Methodist Church.

Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Baxter Springs, KS.