Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Jean Marie Smith, 88, died October 21, 2015, at her home near Hoisington. She was born May 15, 1927, in the Eureka Township, Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of Arthur Alyea and Laura Marie (Spitzmiler) Johnson. Jean graduated from Great Bend High School in 1944.

On June 5, 1944, she married LeRoy Smith at the Hoisington United Methodist Church. Jean and LeRoy owned and operated the Smith Appliance Center in Hoisington together for 40 years.

Jean was a member of First Christian Church in Hoisington and later Great Bend.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, LeRoy Smith; and five children, Connie (Eldon) Schultz of Enid, OK, Carol (Ronnie) Polzin of Hoisington, Lee (Jane) Smith of Concordia, Cathy (Gary) McCurdy of Emporia, and Roger (Dorothy) Smith of Milton, WV; 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Cedric, Eldon, and Alvin Johnson; and two sisters, Florence Betts and Nadine Amerine.

Per Jean’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at this time. Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids, First Christian Church, or Golden Belt Home Health Care and Hospice, in care of the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net