Thelma Lucille Smith

Thelma Lucille Smith, 100, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Friday, November 11, 2022, at Bothwell Regional Health Center, Sedalia, with her children by her side. She was born on February 14, 1922, in Houstonia, MO, the daughter of Gearry M. Swopes and Bertha (Berryman) Swopes, who preceded her in death.

On December 24, 1938, in Longwood, MO, she was united in marriage to Howard Chester Dirck, who preceded her in death on June 3, 1976. Together they had three children: Dale Dirck (Wilma) of Windsor, MO; Dennis Dirck (Wanda) of Green Ridge, MO; and Susan Houston (Herb) of Smithton, MO.

Thelma, better known as Toodle, loved the farm life, from riding horses to completing the daily chores which she took over after Howard passed. She was a Western Horseman Saddle Club member, avid horse show participant, and ironed far more western shirts than she bargained for. Toodle loved her post-farm occupation, ensuring Dr. Boatright’s patients left his office with a smile on their faces.

Toodle’s best friends introduced her to Loy Smith, who became her husband, traveling partner, and grandad to her crew. They loved hosting family events which turned into neighborhood events; all of the neighbors made time to swing by on Halloween to get a famous homemade donut from Toodle. She traveled across three counties attending basketball, softball, baseball, and soccer games, surpassing her ‘Number One’ fan duties.

Toodle decided to enjoy retirement truly and moved to Cedarhurst; she kicked back and relaxed, made new friends, reacquainted with old friends, and kept everyone in order. She played cards, discovered her superior artistic ability, and became a sharpshooter with bean bags.

Toodle was never the loudest or most charming but always the wittiest person in the room. She never missed the opportunity to tell a funny and often embarrassing story from decades ago or share one of the best life lessons one could ask for.

Survivors include their three children, 11 grandkids, 18 great-grandkids, and one on the way.

In addition to her husband and parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her siblings: Leona Swopes Schouten, Mary Swopes Pittman, Velma Swopes Gordon, Gearry Swopes (Junior), and Dewey Swopes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Eddie Brown officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at the Chapel.

Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Quincy Dirck, Joey Dirck, Daniel Dirck, Tim Apsher, Joe Beykirch, and George Percival.

Honorary bearers will be Aaron Houston, Thomas Hall, and Doug Cribelar.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maplewood Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.