Obituary of Norma Jeanne Smith

Norma Jeanne Smith, age 90, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Monday, May 27, 2019, at Windsor Place of Iola. Jeanne was born September 12, 1928, in Iola, Kansas, to Ira Snell and Mary (Todd) Snell.

Jeanne graduated from Iola High School in 1946. Jeanne began working at S&H Kress Store, then Scott’s Dime Store, followed by Edminston’s, and then she worked for the General Army and Navy Surplus Store. She also worked for Iola Laundry and Iola Wholesale Grocery.

Jeanne’s career spanned thirty-two and one-half years as the Clerk of the District Court of Allen County, Kansas, a career that initially began as a political position to which she ran for public office. 

Jeanne was married to William B. Smith on June 6, 1947, in Iola, Kansas. This union was blessed with two children.

Jeanne was a member of BPW.  She served her church as treasurer, was a member of the church choir, and a member of the United Methodist Women.

Jeanne loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and working in the yard.  She is fondly remembered for her peanut butter fudge.  Jeanne liked watching sports and bowling on television, and she was excited about the time she attended a home KU basketball game with her niece, Leanna Yohe.          

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son, David E. Smith; one grandson, Jesstin Wayne Orth; three brothers, Leslie Snell, Noel Snell, and Truman Snell; and one sister, Helen Diehl.

Jeanne is survived by one daughter, Donna Orth and husband, Wayne, Humboldt, Kansas; one grandson, Scott Smith and wife, Maggie, Benton, Kansas; one granddaughter, Stasia Ohmie and husband, Brian,  Fort Worth, Texas; great-grandchildren, Nora and Brady Smith, Benton, Kansas; four step-grandchildren, Sara Jeffers, Topeka, Kansas, Bill Orth, Humboldt, Kansas, Matt Orth, Humboldt, Kansas, and Annie Huffman, Chanute, Kansas; six step-great-grandchildren, Tanner and Briar Orth, Humboldt, Kansas, Emmy Jeffers, Topeka, Kansas, Clement, and Josie Huffman, Chanute, Kansas, and Lane Huffman, Iola, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Mary Smith, Andover, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Jeanne will be Friday, May 31, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 2:15 p.m. in Highland Cemetery, 1800 North Cottonwood Street, Iola, Kansas.

Memorials in Jeanne’s honor may be made to Windsor Place of Iola Activities Fund or Kindred Hospice of Parsons, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com