Fran Smith

Frances Ann Russell Smith, of Marysville, KS, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 19, 2015 at her home. She lived a full and generous life. She leaves family and friends with loving memories built on Faith and Love. Visitation was Sunday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. A rosary service was held at 7 p.m., Sunday, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 23, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church. Father Jim Shaughnessy officiated. Cindy Voet was the organist and the vocalists were Wayne Kruse and the church choir. Music included “Morning Has Broken”, “Because He Lives”, “Softly As I Leave You”, and “Immaculate Mary”. The pallbearers were Kirt Henry, Kyle Henry, Roger Ring, Tim Downard, Mark Borgerding, and Jim Borgerding. Burial was in St. Gregory's Catholic Cemetery. Fran was born June 15, 1923 at Iowa City, Iowa, to William and Irene (Thoman) Russell. She was one of ten children. In 1941, she graduated from St. Patrick's High School. While living in Colorado Springs, CO, she met her future husband, John Smith, at a U.S.O. dance. They married on Decemberr 21, 1946. The two enjoyed 64 years of marriage and raised four children. Fran was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She will always be remembered for her beautiful roses she grew and for always having blooming African Violets throughout her home. She was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and past member of St. Gregory's Altar Society. She made many good friends in the Marysville area and enjoyed going to coffee with the "girls". She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John P. Smith, Sr., on September 8, 2011; son-in-law, John Behr; and granddaughter, Allie Behr. Survivors include her daughters, Pat Behr and Karen (Jay) Blair, all of Michigan, and Sue Smith, Manhattan, KS; son, John (Karen) Smith, Marysville; brother, Robert (Rose) Russell, Eugene, OR; three grand-daughters, Heather Behr, Katie (Kurt) Hissong, and Krystell Blair, all of Michigan. Fran also welcomed with open arms John and Karen's loving family, Kirt (April) Henry and children, Kadance and Aidan of Seneca, KS, Kyle (Chelsea) Henry of Olathe, KS, Kent Henry of Columbus, IN, and Karla Henry of Manhattan, KS. The family would like to thank the staff of Meadowlark Hospice for the care they showed our mother during her final days. A memorial fund has been established to Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fran Smith, please visit our flower store.