E. Elaine Smith
September 14, 1942 - December 19, 2023
Ellen “Elaine” Smith passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Winfield Senior Living Center, Winfield, KS.
Private services will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel in Salina, Kansas.
Elaine was born on September 14, 1942, to Walter C. Lake Sr. and Myrtle Alice (Baker) Lake in Manchester, Kansas. She grew up and attended schools in and around Salina. On July 17, 1962, she married Michael Paul Smith in Salina. She was a homemaker her entire life, enjoying gardening, canning, and sewing. They had two children: a daughter, DeAnna, and a son, Brian. The couple moved to Arkansas City in 1977 and to Chicago, IL in 1986.
Once her husband retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in 1996, the couple took to the road and traveled with their beloved animals, volunteering in the National Park System for 14 years. These travels included Arches National Park, Big Bend National Park, Padre Island National Seashore, and Mesa Verde National Park. Elaine enjoyed meeting new people and creating lifelong friendships. In 2009, the couple decided to settle down in Arkansas City and live out their days near family. While in their retirement Elaine loved to crochet blankets for her family, spend time doing research into her family history, and playing card games with the kids and grandkids.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, five brothers, Walter C. Jr., Robert, Marvin, Max, and Lloyd, and a sister, Elizabeth.
Survivors include her children, DeAnna (Dean) Harp of Arkansas City, Kansas; son, Brian (Alica) Smith of Haysville, Kansas; grandchildren, Emily Harp of Arkansas City, Robert (Xaviera) Harp of Salina, Kansas, and Dana (Jake) Stone of Haysville, and one great grandson, Maverick Harp.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.