Jeane Carol Laizure Smith, 94, of Manhattan, KS, passed away on August
10, 2022. Jeane was born July 9, 1928, in Gorham, Kansas, to the late
Clarence and Nellie Laizure.
Jeane married the love of her life, Donald Smith, on October 31,
1948. She retired from Kansas State University in December 1987
performing accountant work for several departments. Jeane and Don made
their home primarily in Hays and Norton, until moving to Manhattan in
1968. Jeane graduated from Hays High School and attended Ft. Hays State
University and graduated from Kansas State University. Jeane and Don
were avid RVers and were members of the Man-Kan Campers Club. Jeane and
Don were snowbirds enjoying winters in Mission, Texas with their
friends. Happy Birthday, grandma, as Jeane was known to her children
and grandchildren, always called on their birthdays singing the song in
her wonderful voice. Jeane loved the traditions and preparations for all
holidays which the family will cherish forever.
Jeane followed Don, her husband of 72 years, in death. She is
survived by: her son; Richard "Dick" (Kimberly Briggs) Smith of Lenexa,
KS; daughters, Linda Smith (Timothy) Duncan of Fort Collins, CO; and
Janet Smith (Tad) Wicker of Norton, KS; nine grandchildren; Charisse
Wilson (Larry) Powell, Laura Duncan, Mandy Welch, Bethany Wicker, Matt
(Crissy) Duncan, Elizabeth Smith (Scott) Hammack, Karen Duncan (Dennis
Bigelow), Christina Smith (Brian) Geiger, and William (Kelly) Smith; 17
great-grandchildren; Sam, Miles, Jack, Henry, Adam, Lizzie, Charlie,
Moira, Leylen, Toren, Timothy, Trent, Grace, Jacob, Jenna, Ethan, and
Elias; a sister; Karen Laizure Frydendall, brothers and sisters in law.
“Aunt Jeannie” is survived lovingly by numerous nieces and nephews.
Jeane's deep love for her entire family and total devotion to her
husband Don will be remembered by all. Jeane is preceded in death by
her parents, four sisters, and one brother.
The visitation will be held on August 20, 2022, between the hours of
9:00 and 10:30 am. A private graveside service will follow. A luncheon
will be served at the American Legion. Arrive after 10:30 and lunch
will be served at 12. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to
the Friends of Tuttle Creek State Park, Inc.
Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.