Mary Etta Smith, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 22, 2018, at the Lenox Care Center in Lenox, Iowa, surrounded by her family.
Mary Etta was born September 3, 1938, in Eureka Springs, Ark., to Carl and Maybelle (Pyles) Beaver. As a very young girl, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was the best person in the world. She loved to sing and spread the Word of God. She traveled and sang at revivals with her sisters and her father throughout Arkansas and Missouri.
Mary Etta and Melvin began their love story on June 21, 1958 at First Assembly of God in Eureka Springs, Ark. They were members of Berean Assembly of God in Pleasant Hill for more than 20 years where Mary Etta sang in the choir. They were currently attending New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale.
She loved extending hospitality to family and friends, hosting many gatherings in her home. She had the warmest and most welcoming smile. She was a selfless, giving person, serving as Homeroom Mother, Cub Scout Den Mother, Missionette Leader, and she taught Children’s Church. Mary Etta was a prayer warrior and the family historian.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Melvin, and their children, Marty (Melynda) Smith, Madeline (Dale) Acheson, Marilyn Smith, Mitch (Gail) Smith, Michael (RoxAnna) Smith, and Monica (Randy) Sparks.
She is also survived by grandchildren Michelle (Tyree), Martin (Kindra), Maria (James), Jared (Becky), Kimberli (Seth), Kristin (Samuel), Abigail, Bob (Sharon), Christy, Caitlin (Danny), ShanaLynne (Dave), Josiah (Hannah), Izach, Andrew (Aranza), Jeremy (Ashley), and Mathew; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Carlene Hyatt, Ruth Peacock, and Rev. Glenn (Betty) Beaver; as well as numerous other extended family and many loving friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Anna Mae and Annabelle; and brother, Carl Allen.
Funeral services were July 30, 2018, at New Hope Assembly of God, Urbandale, concluded with burial at Palmyra Cemetery near Carlisle.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.