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Janice Marie Smith, 79, passed away on August 15, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born on October 1, 1942, at Great Bend, Kan., to Vernie & Aldeen (Morgret) Cates. On March 6, 1965, Janice married Gary Smith in Great Bend. He passed away on May 11, 2021.

A life-time Great Bend resident, Janice graduated from Great Bend High School in 1960. Prior to retirement, she worked as a bookkeeper at Gibson's Discount Center, Anthony's Clothing, and Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice. She was a member of Encounter Church and loved crafting.

Survivors include two sons, Michael (Jo) Smith of Great Bend, and Christopher (Stephanie) Smith of St. John; two sisters, Judy Bullard of Great Bend and Sharon Cates of Topeka; ten grandchildren, Presley, Delaney, Addison, Hallie, Dakota, Alyson, Hunter, Ava, Elizabeth, Andrea; four great-grandchildren, Rylie, Zayne, Laney and Molly; and a daughter-in-law, Dee Ann Smith of Hoisington. She is preceded in death by her husband; a son, Gary "Bubba" Smith; step-son, Ricky Smith; brother, Dale Cates; and nephew, Daniel Cates.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2022, Hoisington City Cemetery, with Pastor Dwight Dozier and Troy Miller presiding.  Hoisington City Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Gary "Bubba" Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.