Dee G. Smith

is honored with a Medium Paver from family and friends that Love her very much

"Who ran to help me when I fell and would some pretty story tell or kiss the place and make it well --
My mother" .. Jane Taylor Often one never realizes all that their mother has been until it is too late to tell her.

Sometimes to find a true heroine, one only needs to look in their own backyard. Dee Smith is such a heroine in her family's eyes. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend. She has many excellent qualities that make her our inductee to the Plaza Of Heroines at Wichita State University.

May 28th, 2005 will mark her forty year wedding anniversary to retired optometrist Lew Smith. Besides being instrumental in managing his thriving practice for many years, she was active in the Kansas Optometric Society and publisher of the Eyewink Newsletter.

The true focus for Dee has always been her family, comprised of her husband, three sons, one step-daughter and four grandchildren. She has given guidance and instilled the importance of loyalty, work and family ethics, and to strive toward our goals. Dee is always there to help another who is less fortunate or in need, whether family, friend, or stranger.

Our house was the neighborhood playground. Whether it was the tree house, the tennis board or the trampoline, the Smith house had that magnetism for kids. Dee has been chief cook, maid, chauffer, and chaperon. Sports have always been important in our family, including basketball, soccer, swim meets, and baseball. Garrison and OK Elementary, John Marshall Junior High and North High School all knew Dee as the active PTA member, room mother, assistant Girl Scout leader, and volunteer for countless activities.

While raising her children, she still found the time to pursue her own interests, such as toll painting, sewing, embroidery and making costumers. Continuing education has included computers and designing and completing Pictorial family histories on disc for all her children to have.

Sports remain a focus for Dee and her husband Lew. It is a rare event that will find them absent from season seats for Wichita State basketball and baseball games.

All these things and many more make Dee a Heroine to us, her family and friends. The sacrifices she had made for us have not gone unnoticed. We want to acknowledge the great things she has done for us. She is truly a Heroine.

Submitted by: Lew, Loree, Dan, Joey & Chris, Shawn, Janet & Rachel, Shane, Dawn & Ryan, Shelby, Carol & Mary, and Schultz.

May 08, 2005.