Jan Neubert Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Kansas City community, passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born on February 5th, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jan was the daughter of Simon and Eunice Coy. She grew up in the Westport area of Kansas City, where she developed a love for music that would define much of her life. A gifted lyric soprano, Jan attended the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City, excelling in her vocal studies. Her remarkable talent was widely celebrated, and she was often requested to perform in civic choirs, churches, weddings, and funerals. She was chosen to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the American Royal in Kansas City Missouri. A signature vocal was "O Holy Night" sung during many Christmas services, a piece that would leave many deeply moved.

On June 12th, 1948, Jan married Harold Leroy (Lee) Neubert, and together they raised three children; Marcia Haseltine of Branson, Missouri, and Kent and Doug Neubert of Casper, Wyoming. Jan shared her love and wisdom with her four grandchildren: Conor Haseltine; Jessica Taylor; Amy Wilson; and Abigail Garner. After Lee's passing in 1978, Jan found new love with Larry Smith of Red Bridge, Missouri, and they were married on March 12th, 1983. She also embraced his two daughters, Sylvia Anderson and Marcia Pasqualini, of Kansas City, along with their four children: Brian Anderson; Tara Anderson; Rosie Pasqualini; and Michelle Anderson..

Jan was a devoted homemaker and served as the choir director at Roanoke Baptist Church in Westport Missouri, where she shared her musical talents with the congregation for many years. She was deeply involved with the Kansas City Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, a professional music fraternity where she served as President. Jan became the house mother for the Pi Beta Phi sorority at the University of Kansas for several years. Additionally, Jan gave her time to Shepherd's Center a volunteer organization.

A passionate traveler, Jan was always eager to explore the world. What began with family camping trips in a Winnebago evolved into a lifelong love for seeing new places. She traveled to every continent except Antarctica, immersing herself in the cultures and beauty of countries across the globe. Whether traveling near or far, Jan was known for her adventurous spirit and her joy in discovering the roads less traveled. She would often say, "Let's take the pretty way home," and those who knew her understood the deeper meaning of this simple phrase: a reminder to find beauty in every corner of life.

Jan's vibrant personality and sense of humor were a source of comfort and joy to those around her. She had a natural ability to engage in meaningful, personal conversations and always kept a positive attitude. Her laughter was contagious, and her sunny disposition left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Jan is now at peace, having taken "the pretty way home" to heaven, where she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, music, kindness, and adventure will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to www.samaritanspurse.org .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.