Dora P. Burns

Dora P. Burns, age 83, of Mora, died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at St. Marys Health Center in Jefferson City.
She was born July 6, 1927, in Wishek, North Dakota, a daughter of Gottlieb and Amelia Dutcher Ley. She married Emmett Forrest "Smitty" Smith, who preceded her in death.
For most her life Dora was a care giver. First as a Nanny to young children and later caring for the elderly in their homes. She also worked at Hardee's in Iowa and at the Donut Shop in Camdenton.
Smitty and Dora owned and operated The Rink and later Jose's One Note Lounge, both located in Laurie.
While in central Missouri Dora attended the Grace Lutheran Church in Versailles and most recently the Family Worship Center also in Versailles.
Dora was an accomplished musician. She loved to play the organ and polka music on her accordion. She enjoyed playing cards and Yahtzee with her family and best friend Bev. She also learned to use the computer, which helped her pass the time.
Survivors include one son, Lee Smith of Mora; a daughter-in-law, Amy Culbertson of Laurie; one brother, Christ Ley of Surprise, Arizona; two sisters, Violet Harrington of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Ida Kramer of Bismark, North Dakota; three grandchildren, Dustin Smith, Zach Culbertson and Lissie Culbertson, one great grandson, Landon Ketts, special friends, Bev Minyen of Versailles, Sondra Boeschen of Versailles and Linda Smothers of Camdenton; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Allen and Ervin Ley and one sister, Esther Ley.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 12, at the Family Worship Center in Versailles with Rev. Danny Owsley officiating. Private inurnment will be next to her husband in the Ozark Chapel Cemetery in Laurie.
Dora's family extends a very special thanks to her friends, Bev, Sondra and Linda for all of their kindness and help.