Dana Marie Smith

Dana Marie Smith, age 70, of Wichita, Kansas, died Monday, December 30, 2024, at her home in Wichita. Dana was born in Wichita on July 30, 1954, to Abbie and Dan C. Smith, III. She will be remembered for her independence, generosity, and the positive impact she left on those in her public and private life. Dana attended Wichita Southeast High School, graduating in 1972, and earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, and a master's degree in communication from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. After graduate school, Dana embarked on a career as an aviation and aerospace professional, first for Boeing Wichita and later at Spirit AeroSystems. Dana advanced quickly into new positions, and after 28 years of service in this field, she retired in 2012 as Vice President of Global Quality at Spirit. Her love of animals was apparent at an early age - from training the family's dogs to working at a local stable to lease a horse. She worked her way through college bartending then continued her independent streak after KU by working first as a laborer at an oil refinery then becoming a union carpenter prior to graduate school. Dana was a friend to many and had a special love for the dogs in her life which include Ariel, Cali, Sierra, Mica, Ella and Nina. She loved animals, supporting several rescue organizations including the Kansas Humane Society, LAPP (Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection), WAAL (Wichita Animal Action League) and treasured each of her rescue dogs and standard poodles. She was smart, sassy and savvy, and loved learning about and discussing current events. Music, books, and long baths were important to Dana, as well as throwing amazing parties with a house filled with friends and delicious food (none with bell peppers!). She showed continual interest in her nieces and nephew and talked with her siblings often. Dana served on the executive board at Botanica, traveled to Europe and Asia, volunteered at a local literacy program, and was named to Leadership Wichita. Dana is survived by her older brother, Reid Smith (Patricia) of Estes Park, CO; younger brother, Kendall Smith (Julie) of Duluth, GA; and younger sister, Annette Smith of Hollywood, FL: one nephew (Ben), five nieces (Rachel, Jennie, Abbie, Amelia, Joanna), and one great niece (Annie). Dana was preceded in death by her parents, Abbie Troup Smith Wallace and Dan C. Smith, III. A celebration of Dana's life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1 pm at Botanica Wichita, 701 N. Amidon Street in Wichita, Kansas. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kansas Humane Society (3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219), the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123), or an animal rescue organization of your choice. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.