Margaret Ann Appleby Smith, aged 87, died Monday, December 15, 2025, in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Born on Friday, March 11, 1938, Margaret was the eldest daughter of James Orville & Ruby Lee Hicks Appleby. In heaven she meet her beloved husband, Darrell Smith, whom she wed on December 31, 1960; parents-in law, Bill & Lilly Wallace; son, Joseph Trent Smith; brothers, James Freeman Appleby, and Robert “Bob” (& Sally) Lee Appleby.
Margaret, was a devoted sister, mother, more than a grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was known for her strong sprit and desire to lead. She was born in Burkesville Kentucky on March 11, 1938, and grew up working on the farm and helping her devoted mother care for their home and her younger siblings. A family with very little material possessions was very rich in love and helped Margaret become the steady anchor, wise guide, and loving heart of her own family. She found a renewed sense of purpose later in life after unpredictable circumstances left her raising her two eldest granddaughters who she tried to instill those country values and strong moral compass she grew up cherishing.
She spent many years working at Alcan Aluminum where she would eventually retire from and then go on to spend almost 20 years working at the Louisville Fair Exposition Center in Access Control. She found great joy in spending time with her siblings and family playing Aggravation or Hand and Foot, listening to old time Country Music and going to the Highway 44 Country Music Show, gardening, being the Matriarch in her family. She was the anchor of her small family, a source of unwavering support, and a keeper of traditions, always ready with a comforting word or a shared recipe. Her life was a testament to hard work and resilience leaving behind memories that will forever be treasured.
She is survived by a son, Jeffery Terrell Smith; granddaughters, Shannon Renee (& Steven) Crable, Terra Marie Smith, Kristina Leann (& Jay) Owens; great-grandchildren, Landyn Mitchell, Ivy Owens, Maverick Owens, and Oliver Owens; siblings, William Edward Appleby, Francis Mae Appleby-Carter, Josephine (& David) Franklin, Twyman Kay (& Minnie Bell) Appleby, Linda Appleby Reid; her granddog, River; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who adored her.
The funeral service and celebration of life will be conducted on Saturday, December 20, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in The Memory Chapel of Norris-New Funeral Home, 601 N Main St., Burkesville, KY 42717, with Bro. Gary Cash officiating. The family invites you to share your favorite stories and memories during visitation at the Arch L Heady Funeral Home on 8519 Preston Hwy in Louisville beginning at 1pm Thursday. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 19, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Norris-New Funeral Home until the funeral hour on Saturday. Burial will be in the Howard’s Bottom Cemetery in Cumberland County, Kentucky.
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