Mary Isabel Ashworth Smith

Mary Isabel Ashworth Smith, 93, of Sarcoxie, passed away April 15, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.
She married Harold R. Smith in 1945; He preceded her in death in 1998. Smith was born April 24, 1925, in Beckley, W.Va., to David D. and Martha (Kellman) Ashworth. She was the first female ever to graduate with a master’s degree from the West Virginia University in microbiology. Smith then became an assistant professor at Drury University in Springfield, teaching nursing and biology for many years before retiring in 1972. She then joined her husband’s accounting firm and was an accounting assistant before retiring in 1998. She was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Monett.
Survivors include: children; sons, Harold R. (Darcy) Smith, Jr. of Kansas City, Kan., David (Carlene) Ashworth Smith of Lisle, Ill., Keith Raynor (Monica) Smith of Chambersburg, Penn., Samuel Stefan (Debra) Smith of Sarcoxie; daughter, Martha Frances (Smith) Haynie of Sarcoxie; sister; Betty Ashworth Turner of Richmond, Va.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. In addition to her husband she was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ruth Crawford.
A memorial service was held April 23, 2019 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 601 E Benton Street, Monett, Mo. 65708. Donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 601 E Benton Street, Monett, Mo. 65708.