IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Jean Smith
Funeral services for Jean (DeForest) Smith, 83, who passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at The Monarch in Richardson, Texas, will be private, with final interment at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
All are invited to meet and greet Jean’s family from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Peabody United Methodist Church.
Jean was born on January 23, 1941, the sixth of seven children to John and Cleo DeForest in Peabody.
Jean was married for 53 years to Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Everett Smith (retired).
After graduating from Peabody High School, she attended Kansas State University and joined Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she built many relationships.
While in college she married the love of her life, Bruce Everett Smith, on March 19, 1960, in Manhattan. Together they built a family rooted in love.
Throughout her life, Kansas State University always was close to her heart.
Bruce and Jean have five children: Barbara, Brenda, Scott, Brian and Bradley. Her greatest treasure was her family, including 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
As a military wife of 22 years, Jean lived at eight different duty stations — twice in Germany and twice in Kansas — while Bruce was serving in Vietnam before finally returned to her beloved Peabody in 1983.
Jean stayed busy as a stay-at-home mom after her children were born.
Her interests and hobbies were a reflection of her zest for life. She made time to pursue her many interests including traveling, camping, boating, Athena club, History club, Peabody City Council, playing bridge with friends, crafting, wheat weaving, fishing and gardening.
Jean loved being around friends and family. She was known for her gatherings at her Peabody home and loved her quiet time at the family pond, fishing and camping.
She was a loving mother and grandmother.
Jean loved the holidays and wanted each to be special. She made hosting family dinners look effortless.
Jean battled devastating effects of vascular strokes for more than eight years.
When the time came, she knew she was ready to go. She had given it her best and fought the good fight. She was at peace and ready to see her family in Heaven.
Jean had a strong faith and was a member of the Peabody United Methodist Church.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; parents John and Cleo and Louise DeForest; brothers David, Jack, Charles, and Richard DeForest; and sister Sally Attwater.
Survivors include children Barbara Creighton (and Dean) of Minneapolis, Brenda Rolfe (and Dave) of Dallas, Scott Smith (and Shana) of Wichita, Brian Smith (and Nissa) of Fredonia, and Bradley Smith (and Melissa) of Wichita; and sister Linda Long (and Charlie) Alta Vista.
Also surviving are grandchildren and great-grandchildren Alison Sosienski (and Steve); Charlie Sosienski; Wesley Creighton (and Rachel); Laura Blakely (and Sam); Amelia and Abigail Blakely; Lindsey Gonzalez (and Marvin); Maria and Lucy Gonzalez; Eric Rolfe (and Veronica); Lexi Rolfe; Ian Rolfe; Lilianne Rolfe; Miles Smith (and Erin); Logan, Nolan, Emerson Smith; Harrison Smith (and Emalee); Charlotte and Andrew Smith; McKenzie Stallbaumer (and Greg); Hayes Stallbaumer; Jordon Smith (and fiancé Jaden Schmidt), Taylor Smith; Audrey Smith; Porter Smith; Cooper Smith; and Isabel Smith.