"Connie" Edith Colleen Smith

Connie’s life began on May 28, 1954, in San Angelo, TX. She was the daughter of Preston “Pep” Lawson and Billie Colleen (Panter) Lawson.

On July 3, 1980, Connie married Dan Smith in Winfield, and together they built a life filled with hard work, family, and love. For many years she helped run their family trucking business, DC Trucking, alongside Dan. After his retirement, Connie devoted her time to the things she loved most — photography, painting, and creating beauty in and around her home. She loved her home and made it a place of comfort and beauty, both inside and out. Connie especially enjoyed tending her garden and took great pride in her landscaping, which she worked on with care and dedication. She was a homemaker in the truest sense, helping to raise her grandchildren and making her house a warm and welcoming place for family and friends.

Connie had a special gift for caring — not only for people, but for animals of all kinds. She loved her pets, took in stray cats, and even delighted in her fish. She enjoyed making wreaths for her “sometimes neighbors” and dear friends, the Kutzles. She also loved antiquing and once co-owned an antique shop where she shared her passion for unique treasures. In her younger years she enjoyed bowling and even went to state.

Her creativity and resilience shone through every part of her life. She faced challenges with strength and grace and believed deeply in equality and dignity for all people. Her generosity and compassion touched many lives, both in her Ramona community and beyond.

Connie is survived by her husband Dan of Ramona; children Bill (Lynn) Lawson of Wichita, Catina (Chris) Wiebe of McPherson, Melissa Vajnar of Newton, and Bryan Smith of McPherson; grandchildren Justin, James, Samantha, Jake, Kimberly, Sabrina, Alston, Adrian, Bryanna, and Bryson; several great-grandchildren; a brother Joe Lester; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Connie passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at McPherson Health and Rehab.

She is preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter Amanda; and brothers Kirk Hubbard and Barry Regehr.

Her family will gather with friends on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Yazel Megli Funeral Home in Herington for her celebration of life from 1–3 p.m., with a time of sharing at 2:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth B. Ballard Community Services (Ballard Center) in Lawrence, Kansas, or to The Omega Project in McPherson, Kansas, in recognition of its role in supporting recovery in our family. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Connie at www.yazelmegliFH.com.