Geraldine Buhler Smith

Geraldine Buhler Smith, age 93, of Lawrence, died at Brandon Woods Retirement Community after a short illness on December 28, confident in her Christian faith and thankful for a long life well lived. She was recently predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Glee S. Smith, Jr. They would have celebrated their 72^nd anniversary on December 14.

She was born on May 4, 1922 in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the daughter of Dr. David B. Buhler and Helen Hansmann Buhler. Her Father was a prominent physician, one of the first graduates of the K.U. School of Medicine. She was the last living niece of Abe Buhler, for whom Buhler, Kansas is named. Her early childhood was spent in Pretty Prairie and Lawrence, where she lived with a sister following the death of both of her parents.

She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence in 1939 and from the University of Kansas in 1943 with an A.B. degree. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma social sorority. She and Glee were married in 1943 at Trinity Episcopal Church, and lived in Larned, Kansas, from 1947 to 1991.

Geraldine is survived by sons G. Sid Smith III, Alexandria, Virginia; Dr. Stephen Buhler Smith (Laurie) Omaha, Nebraska; daughter, Susan Smith Moeser (James), Chapel Hill, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Courtney Smith Duncan (Graham), New York City; Jacob Buhler Smith (Kim), Phoenix, Arizona; Dr. Kylie Smith Galfione (John), Houston, Texas, and their mother, Cheryl C. Smith; and nine great grandchildren, Maisie Duncan, Angus Smith Duncan, Maude Duncan; Abigail Smith, Case Buhler Smith, Brody Smith; Sophie Galfione, Evie Galfione, and Gwynnie Galfione. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, two brothers, Dr. Victor B. Buhler and Everett E. Buhler, four sisters, Esther Buhler Paxton, Irene Buhler Miller, Helen Buhler Ossmann and Carol Buhler Francis.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence , an ordained Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church in Larned, and served on committees of the Southern Kansas Presbytery.

She was a life member of the Kansas University Alumni Association and was a recipient of the Mildred Clodfelter Award for outstanding alumni service. She served on numerous KU committees including the Chancellor’s Club; board chair of the Greater University Fund; Friends of the Lied Center, Dole Center, Hall Center, Libraries, Spencer Museum, KU Theater and Theater Lawrence. She and Glee were joint recipients of the James Woods Green Medallion from the School of Law.

Geraldine was past president of PEO chapters in Lawrence and Larned, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, served as Vice President and President of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association in Lawrence, recently receiving a 75-year pin, and was one of the original board members of the New Generation Society of Lawrence. She was a member of the University Woman’s Club.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. Burial will be in Larned, Kansas.

The family is grateful to the staff of VNA Hospice and Apple Home Care, who provided loving care for her in the last weeks of her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glee S. and Geraldine B. Smith Law School Scholarship, at the K.U. Endowment Association, P. O. Box 928, Lawrence, Ks. 66044.