Eleanor Patton Smith, 93, died peacefully at her home in Albany, MO, on September 10, 2012. Eleanor was born on August 13, 1919, to Eleanor "Nell" George Patton and Pinkerton Hugh Patton on their family farm south of Albany. Eleanor graduated from Albany High School in 1936, and earned teacher certification through studies in Iola, KS. She returned to Albany and taught at Maple Grove Rural School. Eleanor married Carl O. Smith of Albany on May 3, 1941. To this union were born five children; Stephen Carl Smith, Sara Eleanor "Sally" Stuart, Susan Bridges, Ann Patton Hogue and David Hugh Smith. Eleanor was the strong woman behind her prominent husband, and the two of them created an atmosphere of adventure and service for their children. The primary focus of her considerable talents was always her family. Along with her rich service to her family and friends, Eleanor was active in Girl Scouts, PEO, DAR, Delta Theta Tau and Albany Community Betterment Bridge Tournament. She served the Albany United Methodist Church throughout her life in roles such as Sunday School teacher and baker of communion bread. Her door was always open, and she welcomed guests for countless impromptu meals. As a depression era child, she recycled aluminum foil, valued education and championed her independence. Eleanor enjoyed being outdoors and rehabbing houses. She was famous for her work ethic. In her later years, her children often laughed upon receiving concerned phone calls from community members noting that she was cleaning second story gutters or sealing her own driveway on hot summer afternoons. Surviving family members include her children: Sally (Mark) Stuart of Mexico, MO, and Albany residents Susan Bridges, Ann (Gary) Hogue, and David (Teresa) Smith; grandchildren: Amy (Brian) Budke, Drew (Katya) Stuart, Grant Stuart, Jon (Jeni) Doolittle, Brad Doolittle, Kate Bridges, Lora (Darrell) Wilson, Kim Costen, Jake (Angie) Hogue, Shawna (Kent) Wilson, Mike Porter, Clint Smith and Nick (Sarah) Smith; and 22 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Carl, son Steve, sisters Helen Kothe and Ora Lee Jameson, grandchildren Sara Doolittle and Ryan Doolittle, son-in-law Mark Bridges and Stuart Keown. Eleanor's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 13 at Roberson-Polley Chapel in Albany. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, and welcomes all to Eleanor's home afterward. Friends may call anytime after 9:00 AM Thursday at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, Albany United Methodist Church and Northwest Medical Center in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402 Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com