Janice “Lee” Smiley, age 80, of Shell Knob, Missouri.

Janice “Lee” Smiley, age 80, of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025 at St. Luke’s Nursing and Rehabilitation in Carthage, Missouri.

She was born March 5, 1944 in Grove, Oklahoma the daughter of James and Frances (Cumiford) Finney. On June 2, 1977 she was united in marriage to Thomas Smiley, Jr., who preceded her in death on March 31, 2005. Also preceding her in death were her parents; one son, Shelby, a brother, Karey and a sister-in-law, Bobbie.

Surviving are three sons, Kenny Smiley of Anamosa, Iowa, Jonathan Durm and his wife Pam of Mabank, Texas and Gary Durm and his wife Gayle of Pierce City, Missouri; one daughter, Tami Hood and spouse Diana Sumners of Carthage, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Pat Ratliff of Shell Knob, Missouri; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Lee graduated from Purdy High School in Purdy, Missouri. She was a homemaker her entire life. Lee loved animals, especially dogs. She also enjoyed being outside. Lee was born with an adventurous spirit. Before marrying Thomas Smiley, Jr., she drove in demolition derbies, winning two trophies. She traveled with a carnival for about three and a half years and visited Canada and every state except Alaska and Hawaii. She also trained horses for a time in Arkansas. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Shell Knob, Missouri.

Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

The family wants to especially thank St. Luke’s Nursing and Rehabilitation and all of the staff for the friendship and care they gave to Lee.

Contributions may be made to Missouri Kidney Program in memory of Lee.

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.