Crystal Smith

Crystal Bell Smith passed away peacefully on February 22nd, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Crystal was born on May 15th, 1931, to Virgil and Silverbell (Page) Broan in Cassville, MO. Crystal lived most of her life in Springfield, a community she was happy to call home. When she was still in high school, Crystal became a music teacher at The Rainbow Room, where she taught marimba and accordion lessons. Crystal had a deep love of music, and could play any instrument she picked up. Crystal played the organ for over 50 years at Walnut Street Christian Church. Crystal spent the majority of her career as a bookkeeper and office manager at The Credit Bureau of Springfield.

In 1955, she was joined in marriage to Delbert Hutsell. Together, they had two children—Cindy and Rick. They were married until his passing in 1985. In 2001, Crystal was joined in marriage to Richard Smith; they were married until his passing in 2021. Crystal was a loving and devoted wife to both Delbert and Richard, and of all the joys in her life she most loved being a mom, grandma, step-mom, aunt, and great-grandma. Crystal’s love for her extensive family leaves a legacy that will stretch for generations.

Crystal is preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Silverbell, her first husband Delbert, her second husband Richard, and her son Rick.

Crystal is survived by so many loving family members: her brother Jim Broan (Maxine Broan), her daughter Cindy Sparks (Rick Sparks), her grandson Dustin Sparks (Lauren Sparks) and their sons Hayden and Skylur, her grandson Darren Sparks (Hannah Sparks) and their daughters Jocelyn and Millie, her granddaughter Whitney Wilson (Jennifer Wilson) and their children August, Olive, and Oscar, her granddaughter Ashley Hagewood and her son Weston, her step-daughter Glenda Turner and family, her step-daughter Linda McFarland (Earl McFarland) and family, her step-son Alan Smith (Amy Smith) and family, her step-daughter Janice Smith, her step-son Casey Smith (Suzann Smith), her nephew Brad Broan, her nephew Gerald Broan (Bonnie Broan) and family, her niece Theresa Pratt (Greg Pratt) and family, her nephew Paul Hutsell (Charlotte Hutsell) and family, her nephew Steve Hutsell (Gina Hutsell) and family, and her 30 great-grandchildren.

Crystal had many talents, but she was widely known as a creative. Over the course of her life, Crystal made countless quilts, Sunday dresses, baby blankets, Christmas stockings, and other homemade treasures. Crystal was always busy doing something—sewing, baking, making music. Her Christmas cookie displays were a sight to behold, and you could always count on a jar of her homemade apple butter among your Christmas gifts. Crystal loved to host family dinners—whether it was a holiday or a Sunday afternoon, you could most often find a handful (or more!) of family members at her home. Crystal’s family brought so much joy to her life, and she to theirs. She will be very deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held on Friday, February 27th at 1:00 PM with visitation prior at 11:30 AM at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield MO 65806. Interment to follow at Hazelwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Crystal’s name to Walnut Street Christian Church Memorial Fund at 2201 W. Walnut, Springfield MO, 65802.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com