Arless L. Smith

Arless Smith, 72, of Hasty, died Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Mo. The son of Conrad Wilson and Viola (Ricketts) Smith was born June 18, 1939, at Vendor.

A member of Yardelle Chapel, Arless grew up in Vendor. He married the love of his life, Betty, on June 2, 1961, in Vendor. He was an owner/operator truck driver and farmer. In his free time, Arless enjoyed singing, fishing and camping.


He is survived by his wife, Betty J. (Robinson) Smith, of the home; two daughters, Debbie (Kim) Wheeler, of Hasty and Judy (Blake) Ballard, of Harrison; four grandchildren, Randy, Keith and Jarod Wheeler and Rhonda Groves; nine great-grandchildren, Jessica, Evan, R.J. and RaeLynn Groves, Hannah, Caleb, Kason and Emily Wheeler and Kylee Campbell; sisters, Loretta (Henry) Phillips, of Batavia, Sue (E.G.) Campbell, of Piercetown and Emma (Doyle) Reddell, of Dover; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances Whiteley; brother, James Smith; grandparents, John and Kate (Day) Collins and Dan and Eller Ricketts; and great-grandson, Riley Groves.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Derwin Martin officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Sand Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Randy Wheeler, Keith Wheeler, Jared Wheeler, Greg Robinson, Scott Robinson, Michael Phillips, Josh Campbell and Blake Ballard.