Jean Augusta “Gusty” Smith, 48, died March 25, 2025, at her home in Hutchinson. She was born on May 26, 1976, in Dodge City, to John Gill Smith and Shannon Marie Helfrich.
Gusty was a 1994 Dodge City High School graduate. She attended Emporia State University earning her bachelor’s degree in secondary education and master’s degree in instructional design. Gusty was an English Teacher at Hutchinson High School and was currently in her 20th year of teaching. She was a passionate teacher who enjoyed sharing her love for reading and writing to her students. Gusty loved to read poetry and books; especially fine literature and the classics, her favorite author was Kurt Vonnegut. Gusty liked playing trivia, spending time with her family and friends, as well as her cats.
She is survived by: her daughter, Magnolia Foster of Lawerence; mother, Shannon Smith of St. John; sisters, Anne Smith of St. John and Hannah Bartlett of Cape Coral, FL; six nieces and nephews; five aunts; four uncles; and cats, Hedwig and Birdie.
Gusty was preceded in death by: her father, maternal and paternal grandparents; three aunts; and two uncles.
Parish Rosary will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Ave., Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at St. Teresa Catholic Church. Friends may call Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at St. Teresa Catholic Church. Private family burial will be in Great Bend City Cemetery.