Jane Miller Smull
Share
Jane passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. She was born on March 27, 1924 to Roy C. Miller and Lois Hart Miller in Ottawa, KS. The family moved to Lawrence, KS when she was 3 years old.
Jane graduated from Monticello Preparatory School in Alton, IL in 1942 and the University of Kansas in 1946 where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Jane and several of her Pi Phi “sisters” enjoyed their sewing club for many years to come.
Jane taught at the Kansas State School for the Blind in Kansas City, KS for 6 years. She was the first Executive Director of the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired from 1952-1953. She married Dr. Ned W. Smull in 1949, and they were married for over 30 years. She was a former member of the Junior League of Kansas City, MO, the Kansas City Country Club and St. John’s United Methodist Church, and served on the Boards of the Florence Crittendon Home, the American Red Cross and the George Nettleton Home.
Except for living in Evanston, IL for 5 years with Ned, Jane lived her life in the state of Kansas. She was a lover of crossword puzzles, reading, playing bridge, and especially her Kansas Jayhawks. She rarely missed watching a KU men’s basketball game. Her family and friends will greatly miss her quick wit and unfiltered sense of humor.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, brother John R. Miller, an infant son Steven Miller Smull, her former husband Ned, and her nephew Rob Miller. Jane is survived by her daughter Sarah Smull Hatfield (Victoria), granddaughters Kristin (Nick) Switzer and Whitney (Derek) Hoefer, great-granddaughter Hannah Switzer, and nephew Rick (Beth) Miller. She was also looking forward to the arrival of her second great-granddaughter Grace Hoefer in early February. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
At Jane’s request, she was cremated and will be interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. A private family service will be held at her gravesite this spring. Memorial gifts may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital or the University of Kansas Endowment Association.
Jane’s family would like to thank the staff at the Atriums—Overland Park and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care.
You and your family are in my heart and mind. My condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mother. May God give you the peace that you seek. Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in your hearts. May she rest in peace!
Sarah,
My heart aches for you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and I wish you joy as you celebrate her wonderful life … lots of love and laughter.
-maureen
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. Elizabeth and I will hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sarah,
I imagine there is no worse time than the loss of a mother. Your mom seemed to be truly one of the most open and giving human beings. I’m sure she blessed everyone that was able to spend any time with her. I believe everyone she encountered has learned life-long lessons through her kindness and in her memory.
With sincere condolences,
Renona
Dear Sarah and family,
Deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. She had a long, beautiful life!
Love,
The Fogarty Family
Dearest Sarah,
I am so deeply sorry for your families loss of your beautiful mother. She was a remarkable woman. I remember her being involved in all things Barstow. She always had such a warm, kind spirit about her.
You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Laura Mackey
Sarah,
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom about this time last year as well. I will be keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
Doug Harwood
Lawrence, KS
Sarah, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman. It’s clear that you inherited her caring for others as well as her sense of humor. You’re in my thoughts.
I’ve been praying for your family to find comfort. What a full life Jane lived, and will continue to witness through her 3 generations of namesakes. My condolences.
Dear Sarah,
I will keep you in my prayers. I wish nothing but strength and peace for you and your during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
-Mario
Sarah,
We didn’t get the chance to meet Jane, but through all your stories (and those of Nick & Kristen and Whitney & Derek) we somehow feel very connected to her, dearly wish we could have spent some time with her. You have our deepest condolences and know that you are in our thoughts during these trying times.