Malinda Smith and John Smith

CINCINNATI - Malinda Lucille Hahs Smith, 84, died March 6, 2003, in Cincinnati. She was married to John Sherwood Smith of Benton, Mo., for 57 years before his death on Nov. 16, 1998, at age 79.

Born May 5, 1918, in Dexter, Mo., Mrs. Smith was the firstborn child of the late J. Otto and Lena Hahs of Sikeston, Mo. She and her sister, Lois, graduated from Sikeston High School and Central Methodist College. She earned two masters degrees from Washington University and taught school in Grayridge, Parma and Sikeston, Mo., and enjoyed needle arts.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Lois Hahs, in February 2003.

Her husband was the second child of the late Sherwood and Irtie Mae Smith and graduated from Benton High School. He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Smith worked for the Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis for many years and was later a corporate pilot for Guzzo General Constructing in Columbus, Ohio. He was also a flight instructor.

Preceding him in death were two sisters, Doris Lee Little and Dixie Lee May, formerly of Little Rock, Ark.; and his brother, Bill Smith, who died shortly after World War II.

The couple is survived by two daughters, Linda S. Dameron of Cincinnati and Sherry A. Dannin of Raleigh, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Lisa M. Dameron of Jaroso, Colo., Clinton S. Dameron of Cincinnati, Alexander Dannin of Raleigh and Amanda L. Dameron of Los Angeles, Calif.

They were preceded in death by a grandson, John Aaron Dameron.

Mrs. Smith is also survived by four brothers, William Hahs and James Hahs of Sikeston, Charles Hahs of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Tom Hahs of St. Louis.

Also surviving Smith are a nephew, Patrick Hunter of Little Rock; and a grand-niece, Karen Lynn East of Little Rock.

A memorial graveside service will be conducted for Mr. and Mrs. Smith at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston. The Rev. Sandra Schaller, associate pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, will officiate.

Ponder Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Paid obituary