Dorothy Louise Smelser

Graveside services for Dorothy Louise Smelser, will be at Topeka Cemetery, 1601 SE 10^th. Street, Topeka, KS at 3pm on Thursday, October 15, 2015. Pastor Rod Hinkle will officiate.

She passed away on Tuesday, October 13. Viewing will be held from noon to 2 on Thursday at Warren-McElwain in Lawrence.

A remembrance will be held at the same time for her son, Steven Craig Smelser, at the graveside.

She was born on March 31, 1921 to Emery and Bertha Ellen Irvin Crane in Langley, Kansas.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Lyle Duane Smelser, Sr. (1989), her sister Edythe Gottberg (2007), her son Steven Craig Smelser (2014), and son-in-law Ronald Grant Bisel (2013).

She is survived by her children, Sherrie Kay Christian (Roger), Rossville, Lyle Duane Smelser, Jr. (Cindy), Montrose, Colorado and Deanna (Dee) Bisel, Lawrence, nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandsons.

Dorothy and Lyle lived and raised their family in Topeka, Kansas and retired to Hot Springs, Arkansas. In her later years, she moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be near her daughters.

Dorothy was an active member of North Lawrence Christian Church. She volunteered her time and talents at the American Legion Auxiliary and served as President. She was an accomplished seamstress and delighted her family with beautiful handmade pieces. She learned to oil paint when she retired and her paintings are cherished by her family.

She laughed easily, was quick with a comeback, and was very feisty. Her grandkids enjoyed being around her.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community and Visiting Nurses Hospice for the love and care they showed our Mother. Memorial contributions can be made to VNA Hospice in care of Warren-McElwain.

Warren-McElwain mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.