Marva Sue (Green) Smith

Marva Sue (Green) Smith was born Feb. 4, 1949, in El Dorado Springs to Marvin Emmett and Ina Marvine (Hornbeck) Green. Her entrance in to the world was as unforgettable as the life she lived – a winter storm kept her parents from reaching the hospital in Nevada, forcing them to welcome their daughter in El Dorado Springs instead. She moved to Kansas City, MO, where she attended school and later graduated from Southwest High School in 1967. Among her fond memories of those years were roast beef or warm bologna and mayonnaise sandwiches shared with her sister, Sheila Ponder of Springfield, during their open lunch period – a simple yet treasured tradition.

Family vacations were a tradition Sue cherished deeply. Every year, the family would pile into their vehicle, ready for another adventure, with her dad behind the wheel – driving for hours on end, seemingly never tiring. It was a trait Sue inherited, her love for the open road and the miles ahead never waning. They traveled near and far, exploring the country together, creating memories in every state they passed through. No matter how busy life became, it was always important that a family vacation was taken each year – a time to bond, laugh and celebrate being together.

When she left for college, she decided to go by her middle name, Sue, after having grown tired of mistakenly answering when someone called “Martha” down the hallways of school. This was the first of several name changes. Throughout her life, she went by many names and wore many titles, each representing a different role, a different love, a different way she touched the lives of those around her.

Sue attended Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) in Springfield, MO. There, she was a member of the trap shooting team, winning several competitions. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in elementary special education. This was also where she met the love of her life, Glynnis Peter “Smitty bear” Smith, in a unique way. Thanks to a mischievous friend, Gordon Donnelly, who made a habit of taking chairs outside every time she or Smitty got up. She eventually found herself left with only the arm of his chair as a seat. That small act of fate would spark a true love story. She became Mrs. Smith on June 21, 1975, just after Smitty turned 20. She always swore up and down she would never marry a coach because they were gone all the time, but guess what Mr. Smith became? A coach. However, their marriage endured until his passing in 2005, but their love endures forever.

Her next name change was in 1980 when she became “Mon” with the birth of their daughter, Sarah (Victor) Stone of El Dorado Springs. In 1983, Heather (Omer) Conrow of Franklin, MO, was born, followed by the baby of the family, Ashley (Kurt) Priebe of Nixa, MO, in 1985. She was later called “Momma Sue” by her daughters.

Sue had a fiery sweet tooth, and noting proved it more then her love for fire balls. Every trip to Silver Dollar City meant picking up a bag, a tradition as steady as the rides and attractions themselves. Her daughters-and later her grandkids-quickly learned that they loved the flavor but not the heat, and without fail, they’d hand their fire balls over (sometimes already sucked on), asking her to “suck the hot off” for them. And, of course, she always obliged, laughing at the ritual that never seemed to fade.

As a teacher she was called Mrs. Smith and was a dedicated educator for 32 years; her passion for teaching shaped generations. Whether working with elementary students or guiding special education learners, she believed in the power of tailored instruction, spending countless nights crafting lesson plans to unlock each student’s potential.

Her presence in church was equally legendary for reasons beyond her devotion. Fondly nicknamed “Bob” by her daughters, she earned the title for the gentle nodding off during sermons, causing her head to gently bob.

In 2002, Momma Sue became “MawMaw Sue” to Ty Berning, Heather’s first son. Her dedication to this title was demonstrated when she moved from El Dorado Springs to Columbia to help take care of him while Heather attended the University of Missouri. She even took “parenting” classes with Heather to help manage the idiosyncrasies which made Ty, Ty. The stop at Tropical Liqueurs for hard frozen slushies following the classes was their reward for a “job well done.”

Sue continued her reign as MawMaw Sue over 10 more grandchildren. Aubrey Wills (11), J.P. (8), Hadley (7), Austyn (5) and Kennedy (2) Conrow; and Anna (20), Mia (6), Braelyn (2) and Brinley and Vivian (six months) Priebe.

Sue found joy on the open road, riding behind her husband on his motorcycle. In 1996, they embarked on a journey down Route 66 with Smitty’s family, traveling from Chicago to L.A. Classic rock & roll blared through their helmet speakers, the soundtrack to their adventure. But every now and then, when the music swelled and one of them got carried away singing into the mics, the speakers would cut off-an unintentional pause in their rolling concert. It happened often as they cruised down the historic highway, a memory filled with laughter, music and the freedom of the ride.

Sue’s love for Hallmark ornaments was more than a holiday tradition-it was a true passion. She didn’t just collect Christmas ornaments; she celebrated the artistry and storytelling of each piece, marking every release with anticipation. Every year, she carefully made handwritten lists straight from the Dream Book, checking off ornaments as they arrived during each Ornament Premiere and Ornament Debut weekend. The staff at the Hallmark stores in Springfield and Columbia knew her by name, welcoming her with smiles as she stepped through the door. Her dedication to collecting was legendary, and no doubt, the family-owned company will feel the absence of her enthusiasm this year.

Sue’s love for books was a constant throughout her life, with James Patterson and David Baldacci among her favorite authors. She was drawn to their gripping thrillers and fast-paced storytelling, but she had her own way of reading them, particularly Patterson’s novels. Whenever a scene delved into detailed descriptions of firearms, she would skim right past them, uninterested in the mechanics of the weapons. Her husband, on the other hand, would shake his head in disappointment, amused by her selective reading.

She had s system to track the books she had read, placing a paperclip on the page as a bookmark and writing her name on the inside cover. That way, there was no mistaking which stories had already unfolded in her hands. Whether it was Patterson’s Alex Cross series, filled with intense psychological twists, or Baldacci’s Amos Decker and Memory Man books, which followed brilliant but deeply flawed detectives, Sue immerse herself in their worlds, savoring every page.

Sue lived with quiet strength, never one to stir the waters or ruffle any feathers. But beneath that gentle exterior was a fierce and determined fighter. She faced breast cancer not once, but twice – 20 years apart – meeting each battle with resilience and an unwavering will to survive. When the illness spread to her lungs, her mind and spirit fought on, unwilling to yield. But her earthly body, weary from the struggle, whispered “enough.” On May 8, 2025, she passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter, Heather, surrounded by the family she cherished.

Sue was more than the names she carried – she was a teacher, a mother, grandmother and a fighter. She will be missed, but the love and lessons she shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Sue’s journey doesn’t end – it simply takes on a new road, paved in gold. As she reunites with her beloved husband, they are surely back to riding motorcycles together, the wind carrying echoes of their laughter and Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll. And up in heaven, she has a new challenge on her hands – keeping her grandson, Ty, in line, with the same love that made her so special here on Earth.

Her legacy lives. Enjoy the ride on the back of the bike as you cruise down those streets of gold.

A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Community Church of El Dorado Springs followed by the burial of cremains at Tennessee Chapel Cemetery. After the graveside service, Community Church of El Dorado Springs will host a luncheon for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Tennessee Chapel Cemetery of El Dorado Springs. Memorial contributions may be directed to Heather Conrow, 4781 Hwy. 87, Franklin, MO 65250.