Zelma Smith

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Zelma Faye Hartley Smith, a lifelong resident of Baxter Springs, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 27, 2020. She was 103 years young.

Zelma was born on December 5, 1916, the sixth child of John M. and May (Button) Hartley in Baxter Springs, Kansas. She graduated from Baxter Springs High School and lived in Baxter Springs until transitioning to Joplin, where she lived with Kathy White, her caregiver, the last few months of her life.

She married the love of her life, Harley Smith, May 29, 1938 and they became parents to one son, Gary, in 1941. Zelma was a housewife and partner to her husband in his electrical business. 

She was a lifelong member of the Baxter Springs Christian Church and she and Harley volunteered at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum. They loved going to Grand Lake where they had a second home where they enjoyed fishing, hosting friends and providing boat rides. 

It was always a memorable time at the lake when friends and family visited. Family was very important to Zelma. She so enjoyed family gatherings, celebrating holidays, talking to loved ones on the phone and was always up for a visit from family and friends. Zelma had a wonderful laugh and a great sense of humor which will be missed by all who knew her.

Zelma was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, William “Ted” Hartley, John Hartley, and Arthur Hartley; three sisters, Augusta Butler, Helen Karraker, and Dorothy Robinson; her husband, Harley; and her son, Gary. She is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and great-great-nephews and nieces who loved her dearly. She is survived by dear friends Lou and Jo Ann Molinar, who were always there to provide love and support.

In respect to the current COVID-19 outbreak, no public services are planned at this time. A private service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Burial will take place in the Baxter Springs Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.