B. Ellen Smith

Barbara Ellen Smith, age 84, of Iola, Kansas, passed away May 14, 2023, at St. Luke's North Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. B. Ellen was born October 25, 1938, in Hugo, North Carolina, to Howard Holt and Martha (Turnage) Holt.

B. Ellen graduated in 1956 from Contentnea High School, Kinston, North Carolina. She continued her education at Allen County Community College, Iola, Kansas, where she received an associate's degree.

B. Ellen and Jerrell Smith were married March 16, 1963, in Washington, D.C. They moved to Iola, Kansas, in 1965. B. Ellen worked as a bookkeeper for Kretzmeier, McCammon, & Fehr and later as a bookkeeper for Iola Pharmacy.

B. Ellen loved the North Carolina Tarheels. She enjoyed the ocean and beach. She volunteered a lot in the community and at the hospital. B. Ellen liked basketball and she played basketball in school. She was an avid reader. B. Ellen loved her grandkids and spending as much time as she could with them.

B. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Francis Holt; and sister, Ann Holt.
B. Ellen is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jerrell Smith, of the home; daughters, Wendy Derrick, Waco, Texas, Cindy (Brad) Schafer, El Dorado, Kansas; and nine grandchildren.

Cremation will take place and a private family service is planned for later.

Memorials are suggested to Allen County Rescue Facility (ACARF), and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .