Fontella Ruth Smith, 83, of Bourbon, formerly of High Ridge, died June 1, 2026, at her home. Mrs. Smith grew up and attended school in High Ridge and later graduated from Northwest High School in House Springs in 1960. Devoted to her family, she and her husband raised their children in the High Ridge area for many years. As her children grew older, she went to work at ADP, where she eventually served as an HR manager. Over the years, she also spent time working in hospitality, including at the Days Inn in Eureka and Zeno’s of Sullivan. In the roles she held, she was respected for her strong work ethic, dedication and thoughtful nature. In 1975, she and her husband purchased property in Bourbon and, in 1986, they moved there permanently. Their home in Bourbon became a gathering place and a source of comfort for family and friends. She retired by the mid-1990s. Camping was a favorite pastime while her children were growing up, and she loved spending time with her family and being at their property. She also loved many excursions to the river, where she could relax and be outdoors. She enjoyed listening to music, crocheting and giving gifts to others. She also enjoyed caring for her dogs, cats and the wildlife that surrounded her home. Born July 10, 1942, in Kirkwood, she was the daughter of the late Voyle and Ruth (Steger) Haack.
She was preceded in death by her husband: James “Donnie” Smith, whom she married on June 7, 1961, in Waterloo, Ill.
She is survived by three children: James V. Smith of High Ridge, Scott (Dawn) Smith of Cedar Hill and Lucinda (Terry) Leach of St. Clair; eight grandchildren: Jacob (Audra) Smith of Creve Coeur, Christopher (Tonia) Saettele of Fenton, Rachel (Donny) Harris of Washington, Cassandra Smith of Ladue, Felicia (Nathan) Rhoads of Sullivan, Brooke Saettele, Hayden Leach of Sullivan and Steven Leach of St. Clair; seven great-grandchildren: Brody, Callie, Maggie, Mason, Robert, Lane and Danica; a brother: Paul (Sue) Haack of South County; three sisters: Roberta Pollard of Cedar Hill, Kathleen (Dave Kaufman) Birlew of Fenton and Chris (Clint) Barr of Kansas City; two special nephews: Jason Smith and Mark Smith of Bourbon; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Katrina Saettele; a grandson: Jeremiah Smith; and two brothers: Steven Haack and David Haack.
Private inurnment will be held in Mount Hope Cemetery in St. Louis. Arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.