Donita Rae Murphy Smalling, known as 'Dee,' age 63, passed away on March 27, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on January 22, 1962, to Arnita Magdaline Shortbear and Robert LeVasseur. On July 4, 1962, Dee was lovingly placed in the arms of her adoptive parents, Marguerite and Howard H. Murphy. She was a member of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe.
Dee graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1981. Committed to providing for her sons, she worked tirelessly, sometimes juggling three jobs at once. Over the years, she was employed at RL Polk, the Reno County Courthouse, the Reno County Noxious Weed Department, Whispers, Hog Wild BBQ, Barb’s Bail Bonds, and M&M Bonding.
Dee married John Smalling December 31, 2008.
She is survived by her husband, John Smalling of Newton. Sons: Jason (Amy) and granddaughter Natalynn Nulf of Valley Center, KS; and Jeremy (Megan) and grandchildren Joelle, Maddux, and Julian Nulf of Jewell, KS. She is also survived by her birth mother, Arnita Swanson; sister, Kelly Swanson of Visalia, CA; and brother, Jeff Swanson of Fort Thompson, South Dakota. Her faithful companion, Winston the dog, also remains.
She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Marguerite and Howard; her stepfather, Ralph Edmunston; her birth father, Robert LeVasseur; her brother, Bobby Whitelight; and her sister, Tammy Padron.
Dee fiercely loved her family. She spent countless weekends supporting her sons’ passion for racing, always found in the stands or pits—filming and cheering them on. She also enjoyed crocheting for loved ones, enjoying movie theater popcorn, and caring for distressed animals.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Knights of Columbus in Hutchinson on April 26, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at 1200 W 15th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Please join us for lunch and fellowship as we honor Dee’s memory.
If you knew Dee, you knew her love for dirt track racing! The attire for the event is casual, and her family would love to see you in your favorite racing shirts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dee Smalling Memorial Fund to support her grandchildren’s education at Bell Credit Union, 1601 N. Lorraine, Hutchinson.