Ann W. Smith

Ann W. Smith, 86, of rural Inman, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, with family by her side.

She was born on March 11, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Marvin W. and Ida (Kingsley) White. Following her mother’s passing when Ann was just nine days old, her father later married Ida’s dear friend, Gertrude, who helped raise Ann as her own.

Ann graduated from McPherson High School and went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas. She dedicated 38 years to teaching mathematics, beginning her career in the Kansas City area in the early 1960s. In 1965, she joined the faculty at Hutchinson Community College, where she taught until her retirement in 2000. In recognition of her lasting impact on students and colleagues, she was the recipient of the Golden Dragon award, and in 2005, she was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Member award.

On July 20, 1963, Ann was united in marriage to Wayne Edward Smith at Prairie Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. The couple began their married life in Lawrence before moving to the White family farm in 1965. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey Wayne and Michael Scott. Ann and Wayne shared 57 years of marriage before Wayne’s passing on October 19, 2020.

Ann had a deep love for the family farm and remained actively involved, even driving the tractor until just a year and a half ago. Over the years, she witnessed and embraced many changes in farming technology. She was also a skilled cook—her bierocks, meatloaf, and fried chicken were family favorites.

Though private by nature, Ann cherished a close circle of dear friends. She and Wayne shared a love for travel, taking memorable trips to New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, and Hawaii. She also traveled through her involvement with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In her free time, Ann enjoyed reading, sewing, and cross-stitching.

Above all, Ann loved her family. She was proud of her sons and deeply fond of her grandchildren. Living just a mile from each of her sons allowed her to remain at home until just three days before her passing.

Ann is survived by her sons, Jeff Smith (Holly) of Windom, KS, and Mike Smith (Nancy) of Inman, KS; seven grandchildren: Thomas Smith (Elizabeth), Emily Smith, Amber Smith, Megan Beck (Tucker), Ethan Coon, Steven Storm (Chastity), and Mallorie Suffield (Braden); two great-grandchildren, Gracelynn Beck and Lincoln Beck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ida White, and her stepmother, Gertrude White.

The Smith family extends their heartfelt thanks to Ann's dedicated caregiver, Sheryl Dick, as well as the compassionate team at Hospice & Homecare of Reno County, for the love and care they provided to Ann.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, with Pastor John Stultz officiating. Inurnment will follow at North Inman Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to The Marvin White Foundation in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.