Jane Smith

Jane Ann Smith, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away on January 16, 2026 in her home. Jane was born on March 11, 1943 in Parsons, Kansas. Devoted and loving wife of Warren, thoughtful and caring mother of Dawn, Wendell, and Wallace, and dedicated grandmother of Meghan, Westen, Seth, Hanna, Erin, and Hollyn, Jane was very proud of her family.

Jane Smith was the youngest child of Byron and Elizabeth Smith, and shared a beautiful relationship with her sister and lifelong friend Judy Cooper. Judy and Jane shared a strong faith that was inspired by their parents, a love for music, travel, and keeping connected with extended family- spending many of their most memorable moments of life traveling to family reunions in Tennessee.

Jane grew up and was baptized in the fellowship of the First Baptist Church of Parsons, serving as the church organist at 15 years of age, beginning a lifelong connection to the ministries of the American Baptist Churches and following Judy's footsteps to Ottawa University. Jane and Warren met on campus in the fall of 1961 and started dating in the fall of 1962. Married on August 30, 1964, Jane and Warren celebrated over 61 years by each other's side.

A 1965 graduate of Ottawa University, Jane began her teaching career in Louisburg and then Shawnee Mission as Warren pursued his graduate degree at Central Seminary in Kansas City. While in seminary, Jane and Warren became active members of the First Baptist Church of KCK where he served on staff. Upon graduation, they moved to Winfield, Kansas to serve at the First Baptist Church from 1969-1974, celebrating the birth of each of their children during that time.

From 1974-1985 they served the First Baptist Church of Brighton, Colorado, where Jane was an active volunteer in several community organizations and she enjoyed teaching piano lessons with multiple students over the years. They returned to First Baptist Winfield from 1985-2001, and while in Winfield, Jane returned to the classroom and taught at Winfield High School from 1988-2001. In 2001, they answered the call to Community Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma where they served until Warren's retirement in 2009.

Jane and Warren chose to spend their retirement close to their kids, grandchildren, and determined to be as close as possible to their beloved Ottawa University. Jane chose a house across the street from the OU campus. Living in Ottawa gave them a chance to serve the First Baptist Church of Ottawa, maintaining their active involvement in the life of the American Baptist Churches/USA.

Jane was a dynamic leader of American Baptist Women's ministries at the local, state, and national levels. As an active member of the various churches they served, she loved serving others through the gift of music, teaching Sunday school classes, and leading Bible studies. She loved singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir, and worshiping through the piano and organ with each congregation.

She was honored to serve as the Ottawa University Alumni President and cherished memories of her college days at OU, often reminiscing with classmates that became close lifelong friends.

Jane was involved in P.E.O. in Brighton, CO, Winfield, KS, Tulsa, OK, and Ottawa, KS, serving in various leadership roles within the organization over the years.

Jane faithfully volunteered for over thirteen years and 1200+ hours at Ransom Memorial Hospital / Advent Health Ottawa, energetically greeting and serving customers of the hospital gift shop.

Jane has joined the great family reunion with her parents, loved ones, and many friends. She is survived by her husband, Warren, of her home in Ottawa; her daughter Dawn Cubbison (Gary Shipp), granddaughter Meghan Forster (Trace), grandson Seth Cubbison; son Wendell (Rachel), grandson Westen (Katherine), granddaughter Erin (Mike); son Wallace (Andrea), granddaughter Hanna Torres (David), and Hollyn, and step-grandsons Tyler, Ian, and Patrick.

She is also survived by her sister Judy Cooper (Bud), their children and grandchildren, as well as her loving family across the country.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, February 12, 6-8 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 410 S. Hickory St, Ottawa, KS, 66067. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 13, also at First Baptist. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the memorial fund at the First Baptist Church of Ottawa.