STERLING — Christine Ann Smith, 71, of Sterling, Kan., passed away Aug. 9, 2026 in Hutchinson, Kan. She was born on March 26, 1955 in Sterling, the daughter of Dwayne and Virginia (Drake) Miller. She had lived with her children in Sterling since 2022, after residing in Russell since 1977.
Christine graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1973. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. She worked as a nurse for 43 years, much of which as a hospice nurse for Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice in Russell and Great Bend. She retired in 2020. On Aug. 14, 1976, Christine was united in marriage with Dallas Smith in Sterling. He preceded her in death on Sept. 23, 2023. She is also preceded in death by her parents.
Christine is survived by her three children and one granddaughter, Tyler Logan Smith of Kingman, Kan., Austin Dwayne Smith of Sterling, KSan., and Shelby Ann Smith and her daughter Emily Vera Raine Smith of Sterling, Kan.; brother, Terry Miller and wife Deborah of Hutchinson, Kan.
Christine was a believer in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, who came from Heaven to sacrifice Himself as payment for our sins, and that all who trust in Him will receive forgiveness and eternal life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bunker Hill, Bible Baptist Church in Russell, and Calvary Baptist Church in Sterling.
Christine enjoyed quilting, gardening, and most of all spending time with her family. She was loved by many who were fortunate to know her in this life.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Dale Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Visitation will be from 2 until 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present from 5 until 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to Calvary Baptist Church, Sterling, or Bible Baptist Church, Russell in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home
214 West Ave. South
Lons, KS 67554
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 5, 2026
