Judy Marlene (McElfresh) Smith, 77, of Salem, Missouri, passed away on October 8, 2025, at Salem Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her beloved husband, Dale Mueller, and grandchild, Knox Smith.
A lifelong resident of Salem, Judy was born August 26, 1948, to Ernest and Kathleen (Clark) McElfresh. She was a 1966 graduate of Salem Senior High School. For many years, Judy was employed by Hagale Industries as an inspector. Among Judy’s many interests were dogs and collecting antiques and glassware.
At home, she is survived by her husband of thirty-seven years, Dale Mueller, and her grandchild, Knox Smith, whom Judy and Dale lovingly raised from infancy.
Other survivors include children Shane Smith and Roni Smith of Salem; grandchildren Jessica Smith and Michelle Smith of Salem; stepdaughters Jennifer (Tony) Hojsik of Fort Myers Beach, FL, and Marilyn “Mouse” Mueller of Salem; step-grandsons Anthony (Halli) Preis of Truesdale, MO, and Austin Preis of St. Charles, MO; and step-great-grandson Holden Preis of Truesdale, MO.
Judy’s surviving siblings are Sue Bray of Lexington, MO, and Mike McElfresh of Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as her husband’s extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-brother Bob Burroughs; sister JoAnne Smith; and former husband and father of her children Ronnie Smith.
At Judy’s request, there will not be a memorial service. Donations in Judy’s honor may be made to the Dent County Animal Welfare Society (www.dcaws.org).
