Claudia Kay Smith (Dennison), of St. Joseph, MO., passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Westfield, Indiana. She was born December 8, 1942, in Maitland, MO, daughter of Reva and Oliver Dennison. Claudia graduated from Maitland High School in 1960. Claudia married James Lee Ray Smith June 7, 1961 in St. Joseph, MO. Claudia was a homemaker and volunteer pianist for her church for many years. Claudia was an accomplished seamstress, quilt maker, needle worker, and enjoyed many different artistic interests as well as being an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She was a member of the Church of the Brethren in St. Joseph until moving to Indiana and becoming a member of Grace Church.
Claudia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her brothers Gary, James, and John, and her sisters Esther, Viola, and Iola. Survivors include daughters: Mary Kay (Cecil) Ellis of Grain Valley, MO, Dianna (Steve) Cross of Camden Point, MO, Teresa (Jim) Dechand of Westfield, IN, and Jamie Jackson of Saint Joseph, MO. Claudia is also survived by grandchildren: James Rathmann, Mackenzie Dechand, Jacqueline Dechand, and Trinity Cross and several great-grandchildren and pets Gracie and Miss Kitty.The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday May 30, 2025, with memorial services to be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiaiting. The inurnment will be at the National Cemetery, Leavenworth Kansas, with her husband.
