ELLEN NADINE SMITH

Ellen Nadine Smith, 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep September 30, 2012. She was born to Leonard Paul and Esther Lewis in Galesburg, Kan., in 1927. She graduated from Galesburg Elementary and High School and later attended business school in Wichita, Kan. She worked for Sinclair Oil in Independence, Kan., and Gypsum Plant in Parsons, Kan. She was united in marriage to James R. Smith in 1951. They lived in Washington, D.C., while Jim was in the service during World War II. Since then she resided in Prairie Village, Kan. She is survived by a son, Douglas of Prairie Village; a daughter, Ellen Ruthart, son-in-law Greg; granddaughters, Emerson and Hannah Piper of Fort Worth, Texas; a sister, Norma and brother-in-law Melvin Lavik of Leawood, Kan.; sister-in-law, Eleanor Matranga and niece, Jill Matranga of Sacramento, Calif. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, mother- in-law, Frances Cook, brother-in-law, Jack Matranga. Nadine was an active member of Central United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for years and served as a youth leader with her husband; they faithfully participated in the Mather Class. She attended PEO, where she served as chaplain. She loved traveling, nature, music and history. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and sharing moments with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her steadfast faith in God, her joy in giving to others and her love for life. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. Burial will be held in the Johnson County Memorial Gardens. The family asks that Memorial Contributions be made to the Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 or to the American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210 (913) 451-1860.