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Tess Smith Obituary

Smith, Tess LeAnn Tess was granted her angel wings on March 5, 2017. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Tess had touched in major ways throughout her short, yet very memorable life. She was born on June 27, 2001 in Wichita, Kansas. Tess's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. She led a life as beautiful and blessed as she was. She preferred to spend her time with friends and family, dancing, traveling, listening to music, and taking selfies. She loved to explore and see new parts of the world, although some of her favorite places to visit were Starbucks and Victoria's Secret. She was truly a walking testament of someone who valued others before herself, as she loved to make new friends and cherished relationships with many. Tess leaves behind her loving parents, Holly and Lawrence; her protective older brother, Evan Smith (fianc‚e, Katelynn Smith), all of Wichita; grandparents, Shirley Henning of Wichita, Dean Smith of Great Bend, and Beth Whitehead of Wichita; aunt and uncles, Greg and Janne Rowe and David L. Smith; cousins, Heather and Evan Feist, Shannon Rowe, Brennan and Tanner Smith; second-cousins, Brooklyn and Cameron Feist, all of Wichita. Her grandfather, Bill Henning, met Tess in Heaven where they are enjoying their time together while watching over us. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at First United Methodist Church. Instead of flowers or food, Tess would hope that you would do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in her name. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Share online tributes with the family via www.dlwichita.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Tess Smith

Not sure what to say?





jadyn clark

April 24, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss, tess was in one of my classes in high school so that's how i knew her, she was very beautiful. I will be praying for her family and friends and may God help you through this grief

jadyn clark clark

April 24, 2019

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Larry Hund

March 20, 2017

To the Smith family: I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to see Tess grow into such a wonderful young lady, and I value having known her. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

DAVID AND TRICIA CARRUTHERS

March 16, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tess and her family.

Rick Huckabee

March 14, 2017

Lawrence , I pray that you will someday heal from this tragic loss of your beautiful young child . God sees your tears and hears all prayers.

S J

March 13, 2017

To the Smith family and to Tess's friends and extended family:
I did not know this young lady. I saw the notice regarding her accident on a couple of friend's Facebook pages. I have followed the progress of her time in the hospital and her passing, and I want to say I am so sorry for your loss. She must have been a beautiful soul, a blessing to know and to have in your life. May god lift you up and keep you through these difficult days ahead. Your strength is a beautiful testament to your love for her and each other.

DAVID DREES

March 13, 2017

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WITH THE DEATH OR OUR 16 YEAR OLD SON IN 2002 I CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE GOING THROUGH. THERE IS HOPE EVEN THOUGH RIGHT NOW YOU JUST FEEL THE PAIN. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.

Cindie Silmon

March 11, 2017

I pray for your family during this difficult time, May God bring your strength and comfort.

Carla pike

March 11, 2017

To the Smith family,
I am in total shock in seeing this ...I'm am so sorry to hear about Tess ...I had Tess in the nursery at Rainbows United Uptown Kids and had the honor of watching her grow ...Holly I always remember how we talked about our kids Tess has always had a special place in my heart and always will ...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ...Rest in Peace Tess .....Miss Carla

Ken Ciboski

March 11, 2017

Evan, it makes me cry to know that you and your family no longer have Tess's physical presence and her beautiful smile. She was so young,too! Life is so short. My sympathy to you and your family. Ken Ciboski.

Melissa Alldaffer

March 11, 2017

To the Smith Family, Our son goes to Northwest and knew Tess, although we never met her, we are all part of the Grizzly Family, and our hearts are breaking for you. Our deepest sympathies for your family during this most difficult time.

Linda Sanders

March 11, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tess and her wonderful family at this time. Thinking of you always.

Jim Megrail

March 11, 2017

I remember Tess as child at West Heights UMC. She was a joy for all of us. I am truly sorry for her loss. She is missed.

Charlie & Laura Brown

March 11, 2017

Sending many prayers to the family. "May Tess Rest In Peace and light perpetually shine upon her". Amen

Sharon Bateman

March 10, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I knew she was an angel when she was in my second grade class. She was the sweetest and her smile was so joyful. It breaks my heart to know that she is gone, but knowing she is an angel in heaven, brings happiness to my heart.

Jeanenne Cullop

March 10, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Sharri shared with me of your loss today at Robert's services.

Tim & Carole Baca

March 10, 2017

You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you through this most difficult time.
Tim, Carole, Matthew and Jacob Baca

March 10, 2017

Thoughts and prayers to the entire family during this time. May god be with you all.

Louise Wildee

March 10, 2017

To Tess's Family:

The love and appreciation you have for the time you had with Tess was beautifully expressed. May all your wonderful memories accompany your love for her.

I accept the invitation to do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in her name. What a wonderful way to spread the energy of her life.

Blessings to all of you,

A Colorado neighbor,

Alice Ridgeway

March 10, 2017

Sending prayers and support for the
family.

Warren Bonar

March 10, 2017

Keeping your family in our toughts prayers. Evan was a great mentor/coach to our son. Warren, Sarah and Brett Bonar

Shelly (Rexwinkle) Coverdale

March 10, 2017

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful young lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jessi Clark

March 10, 2017

Although I did not know Tess, I have been following her story and have been praying for your family. What a beautiful young girl and my heart breaks for your family and her friends.

Tobin & Jerrie Ann Mull

March 10, 2017

Holy, Lawrence& Evan
A beautiful tribute for a wonderful young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jeff McMullen

March 10, 2017

There are no words that could amply communicate our sorrow for your loss. Lawrence and Holly, you have been and are still in my thoughts every day. I'm sure all of us that know both of you wish we could console you and be with you at this time. However, I know that we and so very many others will always have a prayer for you both and that God will give you the strength to endure. I love you both. - Jeff & Kim

Tracy Curtright

March 10, 2017

So very sorry

Jim & Cindy Koerner

March 10, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! God bless your family!

Paula Clouse

March 10, 2017

I didn't know Tess personally, but what a beautiful girl. Prayers and thoughts your way.

March 10, 2017

Holly, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for your family.
Marcia

Michele Capps

March 10, 2017

What a beautiful tribute to an obviously amazing lady!

Clark Decker

March 10, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lawrence, Holly and Evan, you gave Tess the best family anyone could ask for and I admire you all. God bless you and may he guide you and comfort you as you go forward. So sorry for your loss.

Vonda Wigal

March 9, 2017

I didn't know Tess, but she is obviously so very loved and will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to you.

Mark/Cheryl Hoberecht and family

March 9, 2017

Heartfelt Sympathy for your loss we are keeping you all in our prayers.

Melinda Nelson

March 9, 2017

Holly, Lawrence & Evan,
We are so thankful that we got to spend so much time with Tess while growing up! We will miss her dearly!
Love & Prayers,
Brooke Yale & family
(A poem we'd like to share)
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - West Wichita

10515 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209

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