Della M. Frakes
1932-2013

Della M. Frakes, 80, St. Joseph, Missouri died Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at her home.

She was born December 13, 1932 to Ezra and Clara Smith in Marshall, Missouri.

She married Jasper Owen Frakes. They later divorced.

She was a foster mother and loved the lake and camping.

She owned and operated Frakes’ Auto Salvage, worked for Whitaker Cable and drove a school bus for thirty-five years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Vernon Smith and George Embrey.

Survivors: daughters, Sharon Beckett (Kelly), Linda McDowell (James Bally), and Martha Sutton (Donnie), all of St. Joseph, Missouri; sons, David R. Smith (Christina), Dekalb, Missouri, Richard Smith (Corby), Rushville, Missouri, Michael Smith (Wilma), Rushville, Missouri, Robert Frakes, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Edward Groce (Sondra), St. Joseph, Missouri; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and foster children;and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 12:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:30 P.M. Friday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Diabetes Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.