Artis Mildred Dean, 90, died Sunday (June 4, 2017) at Kansas Christian Home.
She was born Jan. 18, 1927, in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She was married to Charles Smith and later Ernie Dean, who both preceded her in death. Mildred was a member of the Baptist Church, where she cultivated her faith in the Lord. She enjoyed collecting, especially many different kinds of dolls. She could be found listening to music and had a love of gospel music and Elvis Presley tunes. Every evening, at 6:30, Mildred could be found enjoying her beloved Wheel of Fortune TV show. She also enjoyed other TV gameshows, including Deal or No Deal. Family was important to Mildred and she looked forward to spending time with her loving family and many friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Donna Wallin and Debbie Smith, both of Newton, and Josie Laramore-Holm of Peabody. She has one sister in Kentucky, Dorothy Bailey. She is also survived by several grandchildren, including Jerry Smith Jr., Charlotte Smith, Shawn Smith, Jessie Smith, Rachel Smith, Josh O'Neal, Tana Richardson, Brice Laramore, Jarrod Laramore, Bryon Smith, Jason Smith, Shallom Vancuren, Brenda Smith, Justin Smith and Temperance Scott.She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; and sons, James Smith, Jerry Smith, Kenneth Smith, John Smith, Robert Smith and Richard Murray; as well as by two grandchildren, Justin Smith and Debra Jo Wallin.
A graveside committal service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday (June 9, 2017) at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, with Pastor Jim Pohlman presiding. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday (June 8, 2017) at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Christian Home Fellowship of John, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
