Barbara (Barb) Smith, 81, of Lansing, KS passed away on Saturday, November 15th 2025 - her last day with us was benchmarked by sharing laughter and loving sentiments with family.
Barb was a loving wife, sister, daughter, friend, and Aunt to so many people who lovingly referred to her as Aunt Barbie.
Aunt Barbie was born July 31st, 1944, in Leavenworth, KS, to Frances Elizabeth Schwartz and Francis Henry Paul Kohl. She graduated from Immaculata Catholic High School. Barb married Ralph H. Smith in 1969 and was a devoted wife until he passed away in 2004.
Aunt Barbie loved to laugh, sing, dance, and share a good time with good people. She was an effervescent presence in the community, and could be found sharing a meal with her friends at restaurants in the area where she was a beloved regular. She was also a supporter of her family and their endeavors - including time assisting her younger brother Frank’s career as Leavenworth County Attorney, and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her nephews and niece at their varied and numerous sporting events, concerts, and plays. Aunt Barbie also found great pride and joy in hosting meals at her home in Lansing, KS, where she lovingly prepared delicious feasts for her family on holidays, and weekly family dinners for decades.
She is survived by sister-in-law Karen Kohl, nephews Zac (Chrissie), Tom (Laura), Joe (Jen), Michael (Rhonda), nieces Alanda, Katy (Frank), many wonderful great-nieces and nephews, beloved cousins, neighbors, and found-family.
Aunt Barbie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph Smith, sister Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Cosgrove, and brother Francis (Frank) Earl Kohl.
Barb humbly requested that no services be held in her honor. Instead, please consider a donation in her honor to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the ASPCA.
