Smith Funeral Home & Chapel

11/05/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork and responsibilities after a loved one's passing? You're not alone. 📋

Managing an estate is one of the most daunting tasks we can face during grief. But it doesn't have to feel like chaos. Our new blog post, "Finding Order in Grief," offers a compassionate, step-by-step approach to navigating this complex process.

It breaks down everything from securing documents to handling personal belongings with care. For a comprehensive roadmap, download our free estate management guide from the blog.

This document,

11/04/2025

Grieving during the holidays? 💔

You're not alone. This season, your only responsibility is to care for your heart.

Learn gentle ways to set boundaries and protect your peace with these five strategies. It's an act of profound self-compassion. ✨

The primary responsibility for someone grieving during the holidays is to care for their heart. It explains that grief is a part of the holiday experience and that setting boundaries is an act of self-compassion, not about shutting people out.

11/02/2025

Today, on All Souls' Day, we join hearts around the world in quiet remembrance. 🤍

It is a day to honor those we have loved and lost, to speak their names, and to hold their memories close. Though they are no longer with us, their presence remains in the stories we share, the love we carry, and the legacy they left behind.

To everyone remembering a loved one today: you are not alone. May their memory be a gentle and lasting blessing.

11/01/2025

A little extra rest can be a small gift during a season that often demands so much from our hearts and minds. 💤

As daylight saving time ends and the nights grow longer, may this change offer you a moment of quiet restoration. In grief, rest is not a luxury—it is an essential part of healing.

Be kind to yourself. Your heart is doing hard work, even when you're still.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 Wishing everyone a spooky and safe night filled with fun!

Now for the real question: What was your favorite Halloween candy when you were a kid? Was it a classic chocolate bar, something sour, or a random sticky sweet? Let us know in the comments! 👇🍬

10/30/2025

Halloween can be a difficult time when you're grieving. The festivities, costumes, and decorations can stir up unexpected emotions and memories. 🎃💔

In our latest blog and podcast episode, "Grieving During Halloween," we share gentle, practical ways to navigate the holiday while honoring your feelings and your loved one’s memory.

Whether you choose to skip the festivities, continue a tradition, or create something new, your grief is valid, and you deserve compassion.

You are not alone this season. Tune in to the podcast and read the blog for support and understanding.

If one of your loved ones or close friends has passed, you may find that you miss them even more around the holidays. Halloween is one holiday that we often forget about that can deeply affect someone who is grieving.

10/28/2025

Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our first responders. 🚒🚑👮‍♀️

On National First Responders Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and emergency personnel who run toward danger to keep our communities safe. Their bravery often comes at a personal cost, and their service touches countless lives during moments of crisis and loss.

To all first responders and their families: thank you for your strength, your compassion, and your commitment to others. We see you, we appreciate you, and we hold you in our hearts today and always.

10/25/2025

This month, we stand with everyone navigating the often invisible weight of depression. 💛

National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is a time to replace stigma with understanding, and silence with conversation. It’s a reminder that depression is not a choice, a weakness, or something to “just snap out of”—it’s a real and complex condition that deserves compassion, support, and professional care.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available, and hope is real. Let’s continue to educate ourselves, offer gentle support, and remind each other that it’s okay to not be okay.

10/23/2025

Earl Farrell Ray Jr.

Earl Farrell Ray, Jr., age 82, of Louisiana, MO passed away at 11:25 a.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his family.

To honor Earl's wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Earl, the eldest son of Earl F. Ray and Jane Armstrong Ray, was born on January 22, 1943, in Mineral Wells, TX. He is survived by his wife, Carol A. Ray, with whom he married on April 18, 1964, in Emerson, IA.

Other survivors include his two sons, Earl Farrell (Mari) Ray III of Louisiana, MO; Phillip G. (Anazette) Ray of Howell, NJ, his three brothers, John (Carla) Ray of Mission Viejo, CA; James Michael (Johanna) Ray of San Antonio, TX; David (Mindy) Ray of Louisiana, MO, his sister Lisa Helm of Louisiana, MO and his grandchildren, Addison J. Ray and Callum C. Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Dennis Helm.

Earl graduated from Louisiana High School in 1961 and then honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. Thereafter, he obtained his BS Ed. from NMSU in 1970. Earl had many vocations throughout his life, including teacher, salesman, cook and business owner.

His enthusiasm for life was contagious - whether he was hosting a tailgate, a party at home or at the marina, Earl made everyone feel welcome. His laughter, stories, and kindness created memories that will be cherished by all who knew him. Earl was a lifelong boater, who could never be too far from the Mississippi River. He was also an avid sports fan, especially for his beloved Missouri Tigers...MIZ.

Always willing to lend a hand, Earl was a member of many community organizations, including the Lions Club and ELKS Lodge. Following several members in his family, he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Earl embodied camaraderie and loyalty throughout his life.

Earl was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Louisiana, MO.

Earl’s warmth, humor, and friendship touched countless lives, and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Earl's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com

View Earl Farrell Ray Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/23/2025

What happens to the urn years after a loved one’s passing? It’s a question many families eventually face. 🕊️

In our latest blog and podcast episode, "The '5, 15, 50' Question: What to Do with the Urn Long-Term," we explore how decisions about a loved one’s ashes evolve over time—from the immediate comfort of keeping them close to planning a lasting legacy for future generations.

Whether you’re navigating this now or planning ahead, this resource offers gentle guidance on meaningful options like columbariums, cemetery burial, nature memorials, and more.

Tune in to the podcast and read the blog to find peace in planning.

Families' needs and decisions regarding a loved one's urn evolve over time. The best decision balances emotional needs with practical considerations across generations, with some families opting to keep a portion of ashes while placing the rest in a permanent memorial.

10/22/2025

In the first overwhelming days after a loss, how are you supposed to know what to do first? The weight of grief is heavy enough without the burden of endless logistics.

Our new blog post, "Navigating the Unthinkable," offers a compassionate, narrative walk-through of the essential first steps. It’s designed to bring clarity to the chaos and remind you that it's okay to focus on one thing at a time.

For a detailed, printable checklist to keep by your side, you can download our free guide, "What to Do When a Loved One Passes," directly from the blog.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

 In the immediate aftermath of losing a loved one, the world can seem to shift on its axis. Amid the fog of grief, a daunting question arises: What do I do now? It’s a time when the heart is shattered, yet the mind is expected to handle a myriad of practical and legal tasks.

10/21/2025

Have you used our services or know us from being part of the community? We'd be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Google! 🌟

Your feedback helps others find us and lets us know what we're doing well (or how we can improve!). It only takes a minute, and it makes a HUGE difference to our small business.

Scan the QR code, click the link in our comments OR just search for us on Google to leave your review today. Thank you for your support! ❤️