Pat Smith

Pat Smith, 95, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at her beloved rural homestead in Lecompton, Kansas, with her daughters by her side. Though she is no longer with us in body, the grace, joy, and kindness she so freely shared remain woven throughout the lives of all she touched.

Born in Axtell, Kansas, to the late Alice and Thomas Shaughnessy, the fifth of ten children, Pat took on the role of mother to her younger siblings at an early age. She was preceded in death by all but one of her siblings, her sister Rosie Aldrich of Lawrence, Kansas, along with Nancy Shaughnessy of Dover, Kansas.

In her youth, Pat taught in a one-room schoolhouse before working night shifts to support her family while her husband worked days. She began as a nursing home aide, later contributing at Kansas Color Press and the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. She rarely complained and instilled in her children a strong work ethic and a spirit of generosity. She also volunteered at St. John’s Catholic Church teaching Sunday School, helping with school lunches, and babysitting at the local bowling alley.

Above all, Pat’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to Quay H. Smith for more than 75 years until his passing on August 21, 2024. Together they spent over 30 years of retirement on their cherished homestead. As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Elizabeth J. Foos, on October 13, 2019. Pat was the last of the elder Smith legacy to pass and will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters June K. Smith, Sheryl Smith-Foster, and Lucinda (Cindy) A. Yother and her husband Tom, all of Lawrence, Kansas; by Ricky L. Foos, Philip Foos, and Evan Foos of the homestead; and by her grandchildren Sidney Loney and Eli, Russel Yother and Ava, Abby Yother, Meredith Yother, Tommy A. Yother and Amanda, and Ashley Foos, RN, and Justin Crooks, all of Lawrence. Ashley, her closest granddaughter, was able to be with her during her final week. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Elara Caring Hospice.