Our Dearest Mom, Juanita June (Leeper) Smith, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 2, 2021, in her sleep at Catholic Care Assisted Living in Bel Aire, KS.
She was born August 23rd, 1934, to Ross Gardner Leeper Sr. and Beatrice Elizabeth Schuman. She was proceeded in death by her beloved husband Lewis Edward Smith, her rock of 43 years. Juanita was baptized into the Medicine Lodge, KS Seventh day Adventist church June 25th, 1960. She and Lewis helped to establish the Pratt Seventh day Adventist Church in which they were active for many years.
Juanita was a
cosmetologist running her beauty shop out of her home where she enjoyed
conversing with clients about the latest news. In addition, she worked
as a hostess and waitress in restaurants throughout the community
bringing smiles to the people she served. She loved flowers, roller
skating, and was especially proud of her involvement in the 1951 Gypsum
Hill Variety revue in Pratt, KS in which she was runner up in the beauty
pageant. It was rumored “she was the prettiest girl there.” Juanita
held her family dear to her heart and her love will always be a part of
each of us.
Surviving are two sons, Ross Merritt of Victoria, KS
and Mark (Kimberly) Tregellas of Bel Aire, KS; six grandchildren Justin,
Jennifer, Kelly and Daniel Merritt and Courtney and Megan Tregellas;
and six great-grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her
parents; two sisters, Laura Jane Leeper and Beverly Ann Leeper; and one
brother, Ross Gardner Leeper Jr.
Visitation will be Thursday from
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road,
Pratt. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p,m,, Friday, January 8,
2021, at First Christian Church, Pratt with Pastor Fred Dacosta
presiding. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt.
Memorials may be made to Juanita Smith Memorial Fund in care of Larrison Mortuary.