Nancy "Elaine" Waites, 86, of Centerton, previously of Pocahontas, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Bradford House Nursing and Rehab in Bentonville.

Elaine was born December 4, 1938 in Paris, AR to the late Benjamin and Oral Mae Johnson Smith.  She worked in quality control at ESNA, was involved in Toastmasters International, and was an amazing seamstress and enjoyed attending weekly quilting groups.  She worked as a houseparent for five years for the Randolph County Church of Christ Children's Home and was a member of Skaggs Church of Christ.

On August 14, 1955 in Paris, Arkansas, Elaine was married to Pete Waites and became his lifelong "Sweet Thing."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Oral Mae Johnson; by her husband of 63 years, Pete Waites; and her siblings, Anna Mae Eilers, Ben Smith, Lucille Miller, Grace Barnett, and David Smith.

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Bonnie (Chris) Van Dyke and Susan Waites; grandchildren, Nancy Waites, Adam King, and Isha Ralston; great-grandchildren, Asher and Zoey; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, May 26, 2025 from 6-7 PM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10 AM at Taylor Cemetery near Myrtle, MO with Adam King and Joshua Dement officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Adam King, Asher King, Kenny Smith, Keith Smith, Levi Smith, and Troy Smith.