Dorothy Smith

Dorothy S. Byers Smith, 88, of Topeka, died March 10, 2005 at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kansas. She was eleven days shy of her 89th birthday.

She had been in failing health since 1990, following the first of three heart attacks and open heart surgery. In February, 2005, she suffered a small stroke, and came to stay at hospice. Her family kept vigil there and were with her at her passing.

Dorothy was born March 21, 1916, in Fredonia, Kansas one of ten children of Harry and Gertrude Glover Byers. The family moved to Chanute where Harry established the Byers Rock Crusher which continues to operate there. Dorothy attended the local schools and graduated from Chanute Senior High School in 1933.

She married Vernal "Buge" Crabtree at the county courthouse in Paola, Kansas. Dorothy and "Buge" raised their three children in Chanute. He preceded her in death in October 1967. She married Carl Joseph Smith August 12, 1969 in Hagarstown, MD. They had fourteen years of happiness shared with Sam their faithful and loving German Shepard. Carl preceded her in death in September 1983.

As a young married in Chanute Dorothy was active in her church. She taught Sunday School and Bible School many years and had served as Sunday School Superintendent.

Most of Dorothy's working years were spent in the medical field. She completed Licensed Practical Nurses training (with honors) at St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City, MO. During the 1950's and 1960's she worked at Neosho Memorial hospital in Chanute. Dorothy moved to Kansas City where she met "Smitty" through the services of Parents without Partners. It proved a match made in heaven.

She was employed at the Leavenworth V.A. Hospital nine years spending most of that time in charge of out patient clinics. Her last working years were at the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka.

Survivors include two daughters, Rosalie Jenkins, Topeka; Katy DeNoon, Spring Hill, KS; one son, Charlie Crabtree and his wife Lynne, Lawrence, KS; one sister, Flossie Byers Smith, Lee's Summit, MO; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, three daughters in law, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and many old time and new loving friends.

Dorothy (Nan, Gramma, Gran) will be best remembered for her many years of quilt making, all of which were given to family and friends, and the compassionate skilled care given to her many patients.

Mrs. Smith will lie in state after 12:00 noon Wednesday at the Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m... A second visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. Private burial will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, Kansas 66601. To leave a message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com.