Barbara J. Smith
Obituary
NEWTON — Barbara J. Smith, 89, of Newton, died on Saturday
(May 26, 2012) at Asbury Park in Newton.
She was born on July 23, 1922, in Cushing, Okla., the
daughter of Minnie (Fillmore) and Henry Holderread, the 12th of 13 children.
Barbara began her teaching career in 1941 in a one-room
school house and taught in the Hutchinson area and other places as a reading
specialist. During her years of teaching, she worked in Cushing, Okla., and
many towns in Kansas: Inman, Radium, Hudson, McCune, Haven, Hutchinson, Halstead
and Bentley.
Barbara married Delbert L. Smith on Dec. 21, 1947, in
McPherson. His being a pastor with the Church of the Brethren took them to many
churches in Mt. Etna, Iowa, Thomas, Okla., and several in Kansas: Eden Valley,
St. John, Portis, Osage, McCune, Verdigris, Emporia and Newton. Pastor Smith
died on July 5, 2001.
After retiring, Barbara wrote poetry and authored the book,
“Dawning of Hope-Understanding Visual Development.”
Survivors include her children, David L. Smith of
Hutchinson, Alice J. Tice of York, Pa., Stephen D. Smith of Corydon, Ind., and
Timothy Smith of Newton; two sisters, Doris Miller of Manchester, Ind., and
Leona Ward of Ponca City, Okla.; seven grandchildren; and five
great-grandchildren, along with a host of other family members and friends.
Barbara also was preceded in death by her parents and
several of her siblings.
Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday (June 3, 2012) at
Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, where the family will receive friends
between 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Monday (June 4, 2012) at
the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.
Graveside services and interment will be at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday (June 6, 2012) at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery in
rural Adel, Iowa.
A memorial has been established with Newton Church of the
Brethren and the Heifer Project International. Contributions may be sent to
Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home of
Newton.
