Marilyn “Mary Jo” Smith

Marilyn J. (Mary Jo) Smith, age 78, of Ulysses, Kansas died Sunday, February 20, 2011 at her home in Ulysses, Kansas. She was born July 29, 1932 in Elwood, Indiana, the daughter of Rellis O. and Anna L. (Heaton) York.

Mary Jo moved to Middletown, Ohio for a while then to Syracuse, Kansas. Where her father farmed and her mother worked in a grocery store. Mary Jo attended school in Syracuse, and then went to work at Donahue Memorial Hospital. On January 22, 1955 she married Tommy E. Smith in Syracuse, Kansas. To this union two children were born, Tammy and Andy. After the kids were almost out of high school, Mary Jo went back to work at Hamilton County Hospital in Central Supply for two or three years, before having to retire due to her arthritis. After her mother fell and broke her hip, Mary Jo moved her mother in with them and took care of her until she passed away. After a short period of time, Tommy and Mary Jo moved to Ulysses, Kansas. Mary Jo enjoyed crafting. She made shirts, caps, watches and lamps. She also collected butterflies and chickens.

Survivors include her daughter, Tammy Smith and life companion Dean Burnett of Boise City, Oklahoma; her son, Andy Smith of the home; one granddaughter, Brittany Smith and companion Jessie Valdez; one great grandson, J. Andrew Valdez all of Ulysses, Kansas; one brother-in-law, James and Barbara Smith; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Balance, Cora and Wayne Kincade all of Vinita, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Tommy on March 26, 2003; and her very dear friend, Lois Albright.

Visitation: 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses, Kansas.
Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Shelton Memorial Christian Church in Ulysses with Reverend Bill Harrold officiating.
Graveside Service: 2:00 PM CST, Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, Kansas.
Interment: Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Marilyn J. (Mary Jo) Smith Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.