Judith ‘Judy’ Ann Smith, 77, passed away January 11, 2021, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born November 9, 1943, in Hutchinson, to Leonard and Vina B. (Coon) McElyea.
Judy was a 1961 graduate of Hutchinson High School. Prior to being married, she lived in Kansas City, MO, and worked as the ‘elevator girl’ at the Muehlbach Hotel. After moving to Hutchinson, she worked as a sales clerk at Sears, retiring with over 30 years of service. After retirement, Judy looked forward to going out to lunch with the ‘Sears Bunch’. She enjoyed playing Bunco and Bingo, and was socially involved with the various activities, such as the Cooking Club, at Waldron Place, Hutchinson. Judy loved being involved and on the go, but her greatest love was when she was with her family, especially the grandkids.
On August 1, 1970, she married Kenneth Eugene ‘Smitty’ Smith, in Hutchinson. They shared over 44 years of marriage, prior to his death on July 3, 2015.
Judy is survived by her children, Kelly (Ricky) Sprague of Hutchinson, and Kevin Smith of Winchester; grandchildren, Brandon (Jennifer) Sprague of Lawrence, Aaron (Paige) Sprague of Kansas City, MO, and Cameron (Moriah) Sprague of Olathe; and great-grandson, Ellis Sprague.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Janet Stevener.
Private graveside service will be Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County or National Kidney Foundation, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.