Janice Marie Smith, 79, passed away on August 15, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born on October 1, 1942, at Great Bend, Kan., to Vernie & Aldeen (Morgret) Cates. On March 6, 1965, Janice married Gary Smith in Great Bend. He passed away on May 11, 2021.
A lifetime Great Bend resident, Janice graduated from Great Bend High School in 1960. Prior to retirement, she worked as a bookkeeper at Gibson’s Discount Center, Anthony’s Clothing, and Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice. She was a member of Encounter Church and loved crafting.
Survivors include two sons, Michael (Jo) Smith of Great Bend, and Christopher (Stephanie) Smith of St. John; two sisters, Judy Bullard of Great Bend and Sharon Cates of Topeka; ten grandchildren, Presley, Delaney, Addison, Hallie, Dakota, Alyson, Hunter, Ava, Elizabeth, Andrea; four great-grandchildren, Rylie, Zayne, Laney and Molly; and a daughter-in-law, Dee Ann Smith of Hoisington. She is preceded in death by her husband; a son, Gary “Bubba” Smith; step-son, Ricky Smith; brother, Dale Cates; and nephew, Daniel Cates.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Dwight Dozier presiding. Inurnment will follow at Hoisington City Cemetery.
Memorials have been designated to Gary "Bubba" Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.