Patricia A. Smith

Pat Smith, 95 passed away peacefully March 10, 2026 at her home sweet homestead in rural Lecompton, KS, with her daughters by her side. Though she is no longer with us in body, the grace, joy, and kindness she so freely gave remain woven throughout the lives she touched.

Born in Axtell, KS, to the late Alice and Thomas Shaughnessy, the fifth of 10 children, she took on the role of mother to younger siblings at an early age. She was proceeded in death by all of her siblings with one special exception, Rosie Aldrich (Ernest), Lawrence, KS, who remains and is a steadfast part of the legacy Patricia leaves. Nancy Shaughnessy (Robert), Dover, KS, also survives.

Mrs. Smith worked hard. In her youth she was a teacher navigating a one room school house. Pat took to night shifts to give herself, family and friends a great life and all that they needed as her husband worked days, made sure that supper was ready before she happily contributed to the bankrolls. Beginning as an aid in a nursing home, she went to Kansas Color Press, and then Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. She rarely complained and taught offspring the greatest lessons of work ethic and generosity. She volunteered at St. John's with Sunday School, school lunches and babysat at the bowling alley just for the kids.

As accomplished and involved as she was in working before moving to the farm, Pat's greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into being a devoted wife to Quay H. Smith for over 75 years before his death on 08-21-2024. The Smith's enjoyed over 30 years of retirement together on the homestead. As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, ALL were made to feel welcomed and loved. Proceeding her in death, was her youngest daughter, Elizabeth J. Foos on 10-13-2019. The Universe has spoken; they are all together in the afterlife. She was the last of the Elder Smith legacy to go and she will be forever in our hearts.

Surviving of the home are June K. Smith, Sheryl Smith-Foster, and Lucinda (Cindy) A. Yother (Tom) of Lawrence, KS. Ricky L. Foos, Philip Foos, and Evan Foos on the Homestead. She leaves behind Sidney Loney (Eli), Russel Yother (Ava), Abby Yother, Meredith Yother, Tommy A. Yother (Amanda) all of Lawrence. Ashley Foos, RN (Justin Crooks), Lawrence, her closest granddaughter, was able to be with her in her last week here on earth.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the ladies and gentlemen of Elara Caring Hospice for their excellent care and suggest Memorial Donations in Patricia's name to Elara Caring Hospice. 

Viewing will be held from 9:00-9:30 AM at Warren-McElwain, 120 West 13th Street, Lawrence, KS. A mass honoring Pat's life will be held at St. John's Catholic Church, 1234 Kentucky Street, Lawrence, KS, on Monday March 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM at her request. Burial will then be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence on east 13th street.