Barbara Ann Mathews Smelser (1943 – 2026)

Barbara Ann Mathews Smelser, 82, of Bentonville, Virginia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m. at LifePoint Church with Pastor John Kenney officiating. Interment will follow in Panorama Memorial Gardens in Waterlick.

Mrs. Smelser was born November 27, 1943, at home in Bentonville, Virginia, daughter of the late William Oswald and Pauline Corbin Mathews.

She worked at Walmart in Front Royal for 32 years. She attended LifePoint Church, formerly First Assembly of God, in Front Royal.

Mrs. Smelser loved the outdoors and gardening. She took great pride in keeping her flowers and gardens well-manicured. She could spend many hours in her flower gardens planting in the spring.

Surviving are her devoted son, Jackie Smelser, and wife, Shelia of Luray; two brothers, Allen Mathews and Wayne Mathews, both of Bentonville; four sisters, Susie Henry and Mary Stoneburger, both of Bentonville, Linda McDonald of Front Royal and Lizzie Jenkins of Tennessee; three grandchildren, Jack, Tabitha and Bradley Smelser; six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was married to the late Noah Jack Smelser.

Pallbearers will be Allen Mathews, Wayne Mathews, Larry McDonald, Gregory Mathews, Danny Mills, and Brian H.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 6, from 6-8 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home.