Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou Smith, age 92, of Chanute, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 at Homestead Assisted Living in Owasso, OK. Mary was born on October 23, 1924 in Erie, KS, the daughter of Robert and Elsie Pearl (Moffet) Coover. On January 1, 1949, Mary married Howard I. Smith at the Christian Church in Chanute, KS. Howard preceded her in death on January 4, 2000 after 51 years of marriage. To this union, five children were born. Mary was a loving mother and grandmother. She graduated from Erie High School in 1942 and Parsons Junior College in 1944. Before having her children, Mary worked at City Market in Humboldt, KS and then as a bookkeeper at Martin Tractor in Chanute, KS. Mary had a deep love of farm life. Her passion was raising kids and cattle. She remained on the family farm until the last year and a half of her life. She served as bookkeeper for her son's optometry practices in Humboldt and Iola. Mary was a member of Colfax Baptist Church until it closed, where she was church clerk for many years, and was quite close to her church family. She was instrumental in the establishment of Rural Water District #12, served on its board, and was a board member for Swede Center Cemetery. Mary is survived by: Children: Linda (Bruce) Galbierz of Bixby, OK Robert Smith of Chanute, KS Shirley (Steve) Walden of Bartlesville, OK Tracy Smith of Broken Arrow, OK Grandchildren: Alexis Smith Zachary Walden Sister-In-Law: Phyllis Coover Numerous Nieces and Nephews Many Grandanimals Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Howard; daughter, Susan Smith on February 2, 1969, at the age of 13; sisters, Margaret Tredway and Edna Sterling Redfield; and brothers, Allen Coover and Paul Coover. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home – Gibson Chapel in Chanute, KS. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with interment directly after at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, KS. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or Castaways Animal Shelter in Chanute and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 16 N. Forest, Chanute, KS 66720.

Mary Lou Smith

October 23, 1924 - July 14, 2017