Ann Marie Smith, 85, lifelong resident of Erie, died Tuesday, May 3, 2011 surrounded by her family at the Guest Home Estates in Erie. 

She was born April 30, 1926, in Walnut, the daughter of Herbert and Gladys Noland Mudd. As a young girl, she grew up in Walnut where she attended schools and was a graduate of Walnut High School.

She and Harold R. Smith were married May 25, 1926, in Walnut. Following marriage, they lived in Wichita before returning to Erie where they owned and operated Smith’s Dry Cleaning and she also worked at Locke Abstract. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on May 10, 2007.

She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, St. Ambrose Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, a 50-year member of American Legion Auxiliary and was a CCD teacher for many years. Ann’s faith and family were most important to her. Her life was an example of stewardship and helping anyone in need, especially for those who had no one to care for them. She was a regular visitor to the nursing home and especially gained great joy in selecting cards with just the right verse for family and friends. 

Survivors include four daughters, Harolyn and John Malott, Olathe, Barbara and Bill Thompson, Erie, Marta and Bruce Edwards Huntsville, Texas, Mary Pat Smith and Doyle Biller, Chetopa; one son, Michael Smith and Kristie McGuire, Pittsburg; nine grandchildren, Julie and Steve Heinking, Mark Malott, Jason and Stephanie Thompson, Ryan and Dana Thompson, Megan Thompson, JD Franklin, Kallie, Mercedes and Skyler McGuire; nine great-grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Brett, Zachary, Nate, Cayce, Seth, Lily and Ryanna; one brother, Monty and Rosemary Mudd, Shawnee; and two sisters-in-law, Doris Mudd, Gladstone, Mo., and Jenny O’Bryan, St. Paul.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three infant children, Harold Jr., Martin, Maria; grandson, Tyler Franklin; her sisters and husbands, Pat and Phil Mullinix, Elaine and Richard O’Bryan; and one brother, Paul Mudd. 

The funeral Mass will 10 a.m., Saturday, May 7 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, in Erie. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Walnut. The Rosary will be this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the church where the family will receive friends immediately following the Rosary in Parish Hall. 

Memorials are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

The family extends a special  “Thank You” to her doctors, staff and to the Guest Home Estates and their staff of Erie.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.