HOISINGTON — Virginia Lee Smith, 73, died Nov. 6, 2025, at Azria Health Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kan. She was born June 28, 1952, in Hoisington, Kan., the daughter of Calvin E. and Betty Jean (Carroll) Smith. Virginia graduated from Hoisington High School in 1970. She then went to work at Tindall’s bakery. In 1974 she started working at Superior Essex Communications and worked there for 43 years retiring in 2017. 

Virginia was an avid Royals and Chiefs fan and also loved following her nieces and nephews’ activities. She participated in several bowling leagues over the years and she enjoyed gifting her many sewing, crocheting, and craft creations. 

She is survived by two sisters, Rhonda (Steven) Dezotell of Haysville, and Dee Ann Smith of Hoisington; six nephews and nieces, Gary (Cheryl) Dezotell, Brian (Kristi) Dezotell, Presley Smith, Delaney Smith, and Addison Smith and Chelsey Spaulding; and five great nieces and nephews, Harley, Hailey, Sage, and Satchel Dezotell, and Ava Spaulding. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ron Smith; and a brother-in-law, Gary “Bubba” Smith; nephews, Chad and Doug Dezotell; and just recently her beloved dog, Bambi.

Per Virginia’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will take place at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at Hoisington Cemetery. Memorials to be made to the Gary “Bubba” Smith Memorial Scholarship in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 8, 2025