Suzanne E. Smith, lover of the outdoors March 18, 1945 – July 26, 2022
Suzanne passed away on July 26th at the age of 77 in Columbia Illinois after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Suzanne was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Hoock) Grueninger, wife of Marvin Smith for 52 years, sister to Joyce Rose, the late Tom Grueninger, and the late Roy Grueninger (surviving wife Ethel). She was the mother of Daniel Smith (wife Jamie, grandchildren Zach, Nathan, Morgan, William, and Kobe) and Julie Overton (husband Matt, grandchildren Tyler, Justin, and Emily).
Suzanne loved everything about the outdoors. As an avid hiker and nature lover, she was a member of the Sierra Club for over 30 years and was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Eastern Missouri Group of the Sierra Club. Suzanne has been active on the Outings Committee, Trail Maintenance Committee and Glade Restoration. She also started the Friday Hiking group and was involved in the Ozark Trails Association. After a career as a florist and horticulturist, she enjoyed volunteering at the Sheldon Concert Hall and improving the trails at Camp Ondessonk. Suzanne was always concerned with the preservation of the earth, so a green burial was a fitting choice for her final resting place.
Service and green burial will be held on Friday, July 29th at 10:30am at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers, Suzanne would prefer a donation to the Sierra Club which can be on their website at sierraclub.org
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Condolences
07/29/2022
Noel Barrett
My sympathy to all of Suzanne's family. Although I have not hiked in the last few years, I have many happy memories of hiking with Suzanne. She was always fun to be with and considerate of all. Noel Barrett
07/29/2022
Noel Barrett
My sympathy to all of Suzanne's family. Although I have not hiked the past few years, I have many happy memories of hiking with Suzanne. She was always fun to be with as well as considerate to all. She will be missed a lot by many people.
07/29/2022
Noel Barrett
07/28/2022
Marjorie Smith
Dan and Julie, Our deepest love and sympathy to you and your families. Our thoughts and prayers be with you in the loss of your Mother. Aunt Marjorie, Freddy, Chuck, and Andy Smith
07/28/2022
John Lowe
Prayers for your Family at this sad time... Everyone who knew Suzanne was blessed by her cheerful demeanor. She always carefully selected her favorite hikes to create an annual variety crafted with care for all the hiker friends...she was especially kind hearted.
07/28/2022
John Lowe
07/28/2022
Luise Stephan
I was very saddened to read the news first of Suzanne's illness, then the news of her passing. I met her 19 years ago on my first Sierra Club trip. Then I met her once a year when I came from Germany to spend my fall time there. I met her at Sierra Club outings and she led me to OTA and the mushroom group. I harvested my first chickens of the woods with her when we met for camping. Many good and nice memories will always keep me thinking of her. I will miss her companionship. To her family, I wish them the strength to accept this final pain of parting and comfort from wonderful memories. Tomorrow, at the time of the funeral, I will light a candle in memory of Suzanne and think of you. Luise from Germany
07/28/2022
Eric Franzen
My condolences to Suzanne's family, friends and hiking pals. I had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne when I lived in STL when she hiked with the Trails Club of STL. It was great sharing the trails with someone who cared so much for the outdoors. I have fond memories of many hikes with her.
07/27/2022
Ivan Martin
Janey and I met Suzanne while attending contra and Cajun dances...She was always upbeat and full of life always encouraging folks to walk with her. She will leave memories of a person that enjoyed the goodness that life offers.
07/27/2022
Denise Franke
I am so very sorry for your loss. When I lived in St Louis your mom was one of my favorite hiking friends. And mushroom hunting. And wolf stories. She is a treasure. I'm so sorry to hear. ~Denise Franke
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