Arlene Rose (Royster) Smith, 83, of Thornfield, MO passed away May 18, 2026 at her home surrounded by family. She was born April 3, 1943 in LaRussell, MO to Henry Monroe Royster and Dorothy Alta (Hill) Royster.

Arlene was united in marriage to James Huey Smith on December 3, 1959 in Springfield, MO. She was known by many names: sister, wife, mother, grandma, and “grouchy old woman”. One thing she loved doing, and was very good at doing, was sewing. She was known for her beautiful quilts, and she was the family clothes mender. Arlene spent hours upon hours in her sewing room. Making Christmas candy was also something she loved. Fudge, peanut brittle, and mashed potato candy were some of her specialties; and when the fudge didn’t set up it became ice cream topping! She loved having big family gatherings for holidays and anniversaries. She loved getting people together and visiting.

Arlene is survived by husband, James; son, Ronnie; and daughter, Makayla all of the home; daughters: Mona Huffman (Steve) of Summersville, MO, Karla Hogan (Mike) of Nottinghill, MO, Faline Magness (Jeff) of Snow Ball, AR, Jessica Johnson (Travis) of Eminence, MO, Jennifer Workman of West Plains, MO, Alyssa Smith of Springfield, MO, Lauren Smith of Ava, MO; grandchildren: Daniel Smith of Mt Vernon, MO, Rebecca Robertson of Springfield, MO, Deborah Smith of Mt Vernon, MO, Justin Huffman (Jonna) of Sikeston, MO, Brandon Huffman (Brianna) of Summersville, MO, Beth Liechti (Matt) of St Joseph, MO, Kyra Pittaway (Lucas) of Howards Ridge, MO, Tyler Magness (Quincy) of Snow, AR; great grandchildren: Owen Smith of Mt Vernon, MO, Emilee Smith of Jct City, KS, Jaida Hanson (Landon) and great-great granddaughter Annora Jane of Mt Vernon, MO, Alex Watts, Nathan Watts, Dalyn Watts of Mt Vernon, MO, Porter and Carter Huffman of Sikeston, MO, Jackson McClure and Jasper Huffman of Summersville, MO, Colt, Abram & Austin Liechti of St Joseph, MO, Freya and Islay Pittaway of Howards Ridge, MO, Layla Magness of Snow Ball, AR. Also survived by sisters Doris West (Ray), Cora Lee Boggs (Mitchell), Shirley Marion, Osa Mae Martin; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her dad and mother, Henry and Dorothy Royster; her son, Kelvin Smith; granddaughter, Halley Magness; sisters: Violet Smith, Jean Gamballa, Josephine Sexton, Dorlene Dunback; and brothers: George Royster and Cecil Royster.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. Visitation will be Thursday afternoon from 1 p.m. to service time. Burial will be in the Sweeton Pond Cemetery near Dora, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Sweeton Pond Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.