M. Phyllis Smith
April 30, 1928 ~ May 26, 2008
Smith, M. Phyllis, 80, died at her home in Wichita, following an 11-year struggle with declining health. She was truly a special lady who touched many peoples lives as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and as a caring nurse. Viewing 9:00 am-5:00 pm Wednesday, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. A rosary will be prayed in her memory at 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 28, and her funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 29 at 10:00 am, both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3800 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas. Fr. Shawn McKnight will preside at both ceremonies. Phyllis was born on April 30, 1928 and was raised in Peabody, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents, Olen and Ella Reid, and her brother, Leo Reid, and is survived by her husband of 58 years, Wayne M. Smith, as well as her children and their spouses, Mike and Jo Ellen of Anchorage, AK; Greg and Sue of Clearwater, KS; Shelly and Kevin Burrus, Kathy and Mike Burrus, Cindy and Patrick Graf, all of Wichita; and Patrick and Natalie of Oklahoma City, OK. She was also blessed with 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Phyllis graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1949 and worked as a registered nurse until 1982. At that time, she joined her husband and their partners in operating Golden Plains Lumber Company; they retired upon selling the company in 1995. Memorials have been established with A Better Choice, 3007 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67214, Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202, and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, 8506 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206.
Viewing only 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 28, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 28, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I remember playing over at Pat’s house when I was a kid on Whitfield. We would produce ‘plays’ and serve popcorn. Phylis was always supportive of our activities. Carrie Negri, Pat and I used to play monopoly, and matchbox cars in the basement, and she would serve us koolaid and treats. I have fond memories of Phylis, and was always impressed that she was a nurse, and would treat our wounds when we would get them, after falling off our big wheels or bicycles. Hope you are doing well, Pat, I think fondly of these times often.
Kathy, We wanted to send our sincere condolences to you and your family. I know your mother was truly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her. We will pray for you and your family. God Bless You,
We are deeply saddened for the loss of Phyllis. She truly made a positive difference in the lives of all of us who knew her. It’s been 25 years since we were neighbors on Whitfield, and we fondly remember the Smiths as one of the best neighbors we’ve ever had. We called Pam (our youngest) in Denver this morning to tell her of Phyllis’ death. Her response was the Smiths were all so nice. Patrick & Carrie Negri were my very best friends. Again, our sympathy and love during this time of your loss. Pat & Bob Burch
Dearest Smith Family….. May God Bless you all with Faith and Peace today and every day. She is a beautiful lady, she is a beautiful wife and mother and a beautiful Catholic. Tom and Sally McGrath Family
Very sorry for your loss, she was a very special lady and will be missed.