Georgia Anne Smith, 79, of Lawrence, and formerly of Hutchinson, died peacefully while surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in Lawrence. She was born Sept. 17, 1932, in Hutchinson, the youngest daughter of Harold and Hazel House.
She was a 1949 graduate of Partridge High School. Georgia married the love of her life, Richard Smith, on May 7, 1950, in Johnson City, Kan. After living in Johnson for several years, Georgia and Dick eventually moved to Hutchinson where they were actively involved in the community, raised their family and made their home for many years. She was a long time employee of First National Bank in Hutchinson, working first as a teller and then retiring as Vice President of Funds Management. Georgia was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Silver Leaf Chapter #46 OES, both in Hutchinson. In 2000 they moved to Lawrence to be close to family, which was always a priority in Georgia's life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Virginia Rapp Honomichle, Mildred Johns, Helen Varney and Gwendolyn Cockrum; and several nieces and nephews. Georgia was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Richard of Lawrence; her children, Steve Smith and Marsha (Dr. David) Jones; two grandchildren, Kristen (Jarrod) Gill and Greg Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Treven and Kendel Gill, all of Lawrence; and several nieces and nephews. She was the tie that bound her family together and she always honored the strength of family and friends.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2012, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Jim Rhaesa officiating. Order of Eastern Star service conducted by O.E.S. Chapter #464. Interment will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson. Family will greet friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Eastern Star or donor's choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.