Ernestine C. Smitheran

Ernestine C. Smitheran, age 91, of Garnett Kansas, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Guest Homes Estate Assisted Living in Garnett surrounded by her family and Guest Home staff. Ernestine was born on April 6, 1926 in Wellsville, Kansas the daughter of Ernest Charlie Campbell and Marilla Anne (Martin) Campbell. She attended Parker Rural County High School, graduating May 18, 1944. Ernestine obtained her teachers certification and taught elementary students for several years in Kansas and later in Virginia. She was united in marriage to Ray E. Smitheran on October 11, 1947 at the First United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas. The union was blessed with three daughters. Ernestine and Ray lived in Oklahoma, Casper Wyoming, New Jersey and Virginia during Ray's career with Colonial Pipeline. Ernestine focused on the family and making a wonderful home in each of these areas for her husband and daughters. After 19 years in Virginia, Ernestine and Ray retired to Garnett to be with family and friends. In Garnett, Ernestine served in many officer positions in the local Eastern Star Chapter including Worthy Matron. Both Ernestine and Ray joined the First United Methodist Church upon returning to Garnett. She loved participating in the monthly breakfast offered by the church and her active work in the Magdalene Circle of the United Methodist Women. Ernestine loved all sewing projects, crafts and cooking. Family was very important to Ernestine and she enjoyed the time they spent together. She loved visiting her family and especially spending quality time with her grandchildren. Ernestine loved to travel with Ray and their family. During their years in Virginia, the family made many trips back to Kansas as well as Idaho to visit with parents and relatives. After retirement, travel highlights were to Yellowstone National Park, as well as trips to Alaska, Hawaii and many trips to visit and spoil the grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray on December 1, 2011; her parents; her brother, George W. Campbell; and her two sisters, Rozena C. Smitheran and Eunice Ann Beasterfield. Ernestine is survived by her three daughters, Janet Smitheran Bissell and husband Robert of Northampton, Massachusetts, Patsy Lee Smitheran of Durham, North Carolina, Lois Smitheran Diggs and husband Thomas of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren Aaron Bissell, Amanda Bissell and husband Sean Diamond, Stacey D. Moseley and husband Eric, and Amy D. Schnabel and husband Tim, and two great granddaughters Lily and Maddie Diamond. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, September 25, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church, Garnett. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will greet family and friends from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, Sunday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Garnett. You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .