Elma Irene "Winkie"/ "Granny" (McClanahan) Smith

October 17, 1933 - February 21, 2024

Elma Irene "Winkie" McClanahan was born October 17, 1933 in Roscoe, Missouri to Clarence

Theodore and Gladys (Belisle) McClanahan and passed from this life at her home in Schell City, MO on February 21, 2024 at the age of 90. She was the sixth of twelve children. Winkie was just 11 when her father passed away after a yearlong illness. She attended and graduated from Schell City High School in the Class of 1951. She married (William) Franklin Smith on June 5, 1949 at her family home just outside of Schell City. To this union were born five children. Winkie and Franklin were life-long farmers in the area, raising cattle, pigs, horses, chickens, rabbits, row crops and hay. Winkie's mom taught her to play piano as a child. She used her talent for the Lord at the Schell City Christian Church, where she was a baptized member. She also had a talent for cooking, baking and decorating cakes for any occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and more. She was also famous for her homemade hot rolls. She played ladies fast-pitch softball with the church team until the age of 65 when the softball association was dissolved. She was a member of Belvoir Club, Christian Church Ladies Aid, Modern Mothers Club, 4-H Project Leader and Schell City High School Alumni Association.

Winkie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Franklin, of 52 years; her father and mother and step-father Raymond Meyer; brothers, Clint, Ray and Dave; sisters, June McClanahan and Viola (Sugie) Balthrope; 4 nephews and 2 Nieces. She is survived by her five children: Terry Smith and wife, Mary of Schell City; Kathie McWherter and husband, Ken of Noel, MO; Daryl Smith and wife, Janet of Claremore, OK; Diane Eslinger and husband, Rick of Schell City; Melissa Eiserer and husband, Hank of Carrollton, MO; eleven grandchildren: Mark Smith, Tereasa Gilmore, Krystal Fischer, Kasey McWherter, Zack Smith, Dustee Smith, David Eslinger, Danny Eslinger, Dana McCannon, Brant Eiserer and Brice Eiserer. 28 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Winkie is also survived by two brothers Junior McClanahan and Gary McClanahan; four sisters Zena Mills, Noma Ralph, Nova Lackey and Sharon Goodman; and a host of nieces, nephews and many who adopted "Granny" as their own.

Winkie worked hard all her life, always enjoying her garden, orchard, pecan grove, farming and livestock, including chickens. She enjoyed fishing, dog paddling in a life jacket, water skiing, being outdoors on her porch swing, walking, being with family and church family, drinking coffee and eating with friends at the local restaurants. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and neighbor. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

Funeral services for Elma Irene Smith were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturdav, February 24, 2024 at the Schell City Christian Church in Schell City, Missouri with Bro. Monte Shoemake and Bro. Roger Beach officiating. Musical selections were provided by Kelly Davis. Pallbearers were her grandsons Mark Smith, Kasey McWherter, Zachary Smith, Dustee Smith, David Eslinger, Daniel Eslinger, Brant Eiserer and Brice Eiserer.