Saundra Smith

Saundra J. Smith, 83, passed away at 8:50pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Liberty Village in Jerseyville. She was born on March 28, 1942, in Alton, the daughter of the late Charles Hatcher Sr. and Dorothy Potts. She married David Smith on April 29, 1967, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2009. They celebrated just shy of 42 years of marriage together. Saundra suffered a massive stroke in September of 2016 leaving her to stay with her daughter & son in law for four years. She then moved around to multiple care facilities before finding Liberty Village, where she resided for 3 years. Saundra passed away on what would have been her mother’s 100th birthday. She knew she had a party to attend.

Saundra, in early adulthood loved being a jack of all trades. She was a hair stylist, room mom, scout leader, stay at home mom, evangelist's wife, musician, CNA, member of Christian Motorcycle Association, and owner of Busy Hands Craft Shop. She then became a caretaker for her mom and eventually her husband. She found her passion working at Walmart in the Lawn and Garden department, where she stayed for 12 years. Finally she ended as a server at 6th Street Diner in Wood River, where she reconnected with several friends from the Pancake Ranch.

She only stopped working because of the stroke, but always continued trying her best to get better so she could clock back in.

Along with always staying busy with work and her grandchildren, she also loved singing, crafting, quilting, and genealogy. She also had a special love for Nascar driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr., TV Host of Expedition Unknown, Josh Gates, and most importantly the St. Louis Cardinals. When not day dreaming about the next World Series win she was telling anyone who would listen about her family. Her family was her joy. She had books that she would share with fellow residents at meal times that had photos of her ever growing family.

Her roommate at the nursing home referred to Saundra as the ‘popular kid’. She ran the show there while she would ‘gently guide’ staff about how to be more efficient at their jobs. She always looked forward to going to the activities center; where she was able to attend church, play trivia, talk about national parks, and make cookies. Her final days were spent surrounded by family, where old and new stories were exchanged between staff. She was so loved.

Saundra is survived by two brothers and sisters in law: Charles and Linda Hatcher, John and Mary Hatcher and former sister in law Louise Hatcher. Her children included two sons: David Lee Smith of East Alton, Brian K. Smith of Brighton, & daughter and son in law: Chandra and Darin Redden of Brighton. She also had eleven grandchildren: Christopher Smith, Amanda(Nick) Bensman, Steve(Sydnie) Smith, Christopher(Brittney) Barron, Dillon Barron, Allison(Andrew) Ackerman, Danielle Smith, Michael Smith, Danny(Mandy) Redden, Annie Redden(fiance Joe Palcheff), & Darin Jr.(Katie) Redden, along with several great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews including two special nephews that she was very close to: Justin Hatcher & Johnny Kowalis, and other extended family and friends.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9am until time of services at 11am on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Darin Trent will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. It is requested that all attendees wear St. Louis Cardinals/ Cardinal red attire.

Memorials are suggested to the Activities Department at Liberty Village in Jerseyville and will be accepted at the funeral home.