Charlotte V. Smith, 77, of Buhler, Kansas, passed away, Monday October 12, 2026 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 28, 1948, in McCook, Nebraska, the daughter of Charles and Virginia (Grafel) Portschy.
Charlotte was a graduate of Herndon High School in Herndon, Kansas with the Class of 1966. She then attended Kansas State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1970.
She was united in marriage with Tom Smith on March 2, 1974, in Herndon, KS. They later divorced.
Charlotte began her teaching career in Home Economics in 1970, spending her first two years teaching in Hill City, KS before joining the faculty at Buhler High School. She dedicated her career to educating and inspiring students until her retirement from teaching in 2003. Teaching was Charlotte’s passion, and her dedication to her profession was recognized when she was named Vocational Teacher of the Year in 2003. Following her retirement from the classroom she moved to Topeka & continued to serve students and educators as a state advisor for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) with the Kansas Department of Education. She retired from that position and moved back to Buhler in 2012.
Charlotte was a former member of the Herndon United Church of Christ. She was a current member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church in Buhler, KS. where she shared her faith and time through teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and serving as a Wednesday night club leader.
A lifelong supporter of her community, Charlotte was involved in 4-H for eight years during her youth. As an adult, she continued her commitment to serving others by volunteering and serving on the boards of Et Cetera Shop in Hutchinson and Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler.
In her free time, Charlotte enjoyed reading, quilting, baking, and playing games with friends. Above all, she treasured time spent with her grandchildren who brought her immense joy!
She is survived by a son, Tyler Smith; three daughters-in-love, Alicia Smith, Greta Colbert, Meagan Melland; a brother, Leon Portschy and his wife, Marita; brother-in-law, Danny J. Leitner; four grandsons, Tate Smith, Abe Smith, River Smith, and Mason Morales, whom she loved as her own; three nieces, Jennifer Leitner, Amy (Erik) Schlimmer, April (Kelly) Gaer; and nephew, Jeffrey (Danielle) Leitner.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Troy Smith; and a sister, Jean Ann Leitner.
Cremation is planned. Family will greet friends on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, Buhler.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 16, 2026, at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church. The service will be live streamed through the church’s website, www.buhlermbchurch.org. Private burial will take place later at Buhler East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association and may be sent in care of Buhler Mortuary, P.O. Box 589, Buhler, KS. 67522.