Shirley Smith

Shirley Jane Barton Smith went to be with her Lord on February 22, 2021 at Grand Plains Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Pratt, Kansas.  She was 85 years old.  She was born May 4, 1935 in Tyronza, Arkansas to Whit and Vera (Gilmer) Barton.  On October 5, 1957, she married Reeder Smith in Memphis, Tennessee.  They were married for 62 years.  He preceded her in death on October 10, 2019.

Shirley graduated from Tyronza High School in 1953 and attended Memphis State University. She lived in Chicago, Illinois from 1955-1968.   While raising her family, Shirley worked with Reeder at the Western Auto Store that they owned from 1968-1990.    Before retiring, Shirley was the Executive Director of the Maxia Apartments (Tyronza Housing Authority) in Tyronza for 25 years.  Shirley lived in Tyronza most of her life until relocating to Pratt, Kansas in 2017.

Shirley was a member of Trinity Evangelical Church in Pratt and was a former member of Marked Tree Church of God where she was a Sunday School teacher and Choir member.   Shirley was an avid reader and loved to talk on the telephone with family and friends.  She was very interested in politics and loved to keep current on the news of the day.  She volunteered many years on the local election committee helping with the polls during elections.  She enjoyed attending the Tyronza Senior Center and was very appreciative of the local volunteers that made this a thriving part of the community in Tyronza.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and friends.  She enjoyed celebrations and hosted many showers and events for her community in her home.  Shirley was talented in interior design and made their house a lovely home.  Shirley loved a beautiful flower garden and the flower beds around their home in Tyronza were extraordinary. She had many things to occupy her time through the years but her family and her relationship with God were the most important treasures in her life.   She had a wonderful, full, happy, life and was a blessing to those who knew her.

Shirley is survived  by her son: David (Debbie) Smith of Tyronza, Arkansas  daughter: Rebecca (Monte) Hostetler, of Pratt Kansas,  grandchildren: Deanna (Ben) Branch of Marked Tree, Arkansas,  Brandi (Michael) Wages of Marked Tree, Arkansas, Jacob (Vicky) Hostetler of Grove, Oklahoma, Monica (Jordan) Crandall of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rhett Hostetler of Dallas, Texas, Grayson  (Kyndal) Hostetler of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and great grandchildren, Addison, Levi, and Luke Branch, Ryan and Emma Wages, Emerlyn and Kenna Crandall and Eleanor Hostetler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reeder Smith, her parents, brothers and sisters Walter Whit Barton, Moreland Barton, Virgil Rhea, Faye Bullard, Juanita Barton, Bill Barton, Harvey Barton, Barbara Capooth, Larry Barton, and Betty Maxia.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Delancey-Murphy Funeral Home in Marked Tree, Arkansas. Interment will follow the service in Tyronza Cemetery, Tyronza, Arkansas. Brother Micah Cotrell will officiate the service.

Memorials may be made to Christian Food Bank, 111 W. 4th Street, Pratt, Kansas 67124 or Three Rivers Food Bank, 802 Liberty Street, Marked Tree, Arkansas 72365.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing, face mask or other face coverings are required at all times.  Thank you for your help in maintaining safety while offering condolences to the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey-Murphy Funeral Home in Marked Tree, Arkansas.