Lenore Smith

October 10, 1923 - February 4, 2022

Lenore Adell Smith, 98, Topeka, Kansas, died Friday, February 4, 2022, at a local assisted living facility due to complications of COVID-19. Private interment for family and friends will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Masks are required. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Lenore was born on October 10, 1923, in Clifton, KS. She was the daughter of Glenn and Remore Young. Lenore graduated from Clifton High School and moved to Topeka with her mother after the death of her father. She worked during World War II at the Forbes Field Supply Depot. She moved to Salt Lake City to continue working for the war effort. She then moved to Los Angeles, CA, and worked as a supervisor at Motorola. She moved back to Topeka and was employed by Kansas Power and Light (Evergy). Lenore was married to Louis A. Smith on January 1, 1947, in Topeka, Kansas. They honeymooned in Kansas City during a major blizzard. She then became a homemaker, as well as bookkeeper for Louis’ automotive repair shop/filling station, Plaza Standard at Huntoon and Lane Street. She also helped manage their rental properties. Lenore and Louis enjoyed RVing in the summer and fall, primarily in Kansas, Colorado, Florida and Canada. They later spent winters in Belleville, Florida. Lenore was a member of the First United Methodist Church, her Church Circle , The Topeka Woman’s Club, and Kansas Capital Quilters Guild, completing and donating several hundred quilts throughout the years. She was a patron of the arts and enjoyed performances at Topeka Civic Theatre, and regularly attended the “Thursday night” Croco Square dance. In addition to quilting, she enjoyed bird watching, was an avid reader, a loyal KU basketball fan, and she loved big band music. Lenore was an excellent cook and baker, and enjoyed hosting holidays, birthdays, family dinners and various clubs in her home. Survivors include Lenore’s children, Deb Salsbury of Berryton; Brenda Smith of Lecompton; Andrew Smith (Rick) of Gulfport, FL; Ronald Smith (Daniel) of Rancho Mirage, CA; and Brent Smith of Topeka; one grandchild, Rachel Friedl Teal (Brandon) of Berryton; three great-grandchildren, Aliah Taggart of Topeka, Nicholas and Jacob Padilla of Berryton; three step-grandchildren, Jackson, Madison and Makinley Teal of Berryton; and two great-great-grandchildren, Liam and Ryder Singer of Topeka. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Lyle and Leonard. Louis preceded her in death on August 23, 1993. Lenore will be remembered for her graciousness, her strong faith and the kindness that she shared with all. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Midland Care Hospice, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.