Janine (Howard) Smith, 59, passed away Dec. 9, 2015, surrounded by her family, following a four-and-a-half-year battle with breast cancer.
Janine was born March 25, 1956, in Marceline, Mo., the daughter of Carl Eugene and Frances Louise (Leonard) Howard. Her parents preceded her in death. Janine grew up in Brookfield, where she attended Catholic school and later graduated from Brookfield High School. She was united in marriage to Raymond Brian Smith on July 13, 1974, in Brookfield. She worked as executive secretary at Excelsior Springs Hospital, and she recently received her 25-year pin for dedicated service. Janine was a member of St. James Catholic Church.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Raymond; daughters, Erica Eckersley (Jason), Kendra Shrout and Jordan Smith; and eight adoring grandchildren, Tyler, Addyson and Ryder Eckersley, Chloe Smith, Brody and Lili Shrout, and Bryce and Saydee Smith. Janine was a loving wife, mother and Naa-Naa, and will be greatly missed by all her family, co-workers and friends.
Visitation began at noon Saturday, Dec. 12, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 309 South Stewart Rd., Liberty. Arrangements are through Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 816-781-8228. You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book at www.parklawnfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. James Church Building Fund.
