Lois M Smetana

Lois M. Smetana was born on June 21, 1931, in South Haven, Kansas to Edwin C. Creed and Clara K. (Mezger) Creed. She was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord on April 20, 2026, at Brookdale Tallgrass Assisted-Living in Wichita, Kansas.

Lois was born in her paternal grandparents’ front bedroom. She was the second born child but the first-born daughter. Lois had five brothers and sisters (all with their first names beginning with “L”). She lived in many places growing up: Raymond, South Haven, Wellington, Claflin, Preston, and Wichita in Kansas, and Fordland, Missouri. Her family moved back to Wichita permanently in July 1947.

In the summer of 1942, when she was eleven, her mother was in the hospital. Her father couldn’t find anyone to take care of a household with six kids, so the job fell on Lois since she was the oldest girl. She took care of two-year-old twins and did the cooking, cleaning, laundry and also canned tomatoes from the garden.

In the summer of 1943, she got her first job waiting tables and counter at the Drive-in Market Cafeteria (northwest corner of Central and Broadway) in Wichita.  Lois had many jobs over the years – cook, soda-jerk (she made the best sundaes), paper route, salesclerk, bookkeeping, and business office manager.

Lois graduated from Wichita East High school in 1949. She wanted to go to college to become a CPA but her parents discouraged her from doing so. Instead, she graduated from and taught at the Wichita Business College to gain more knowledge about bookkeeping and accounting.

Lois met her future husband, Leo M. Smetana while they were both teaching at the Wichita Business College. They were married on July 14, 1951 in the chapel at First Methodist Church in Wichita after a terrible flood. In September 1953, they moved into their first house on the east side of Wichita. Leo and Lois were blessed with 3 children: Lucinda, Lyndall, and Lanelda. Leo would joke, “When we all get together we have one “L” of a time!” In August 1964, the family of 5 moved into a new house on the northwest side of Wichita which was designed by Leo. Lois lived in this home for 60 years.

In 1974 when her youngest child was 10 years old, Lois went back to work in accounting for Garvey Internation, then Rounds and Porter Lumber Company. After Rounds and Porter was purchased and closed, Lois became Business Office Manager – Accounting Division for the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ. She retired in 1997 to take care of her first grandchild.

Lois was VERY PROUD of her three children and her three grandkids: Courtney, Zane, and Kelsey. She would brag about each one any time she was asked about them! Her best moments were spent with them!

Lois lost her son, Lyndall, in a motorcycle accident in 1984. Leo passed in April of 2004. Lois and her daughters Lucinda and Lanelda enjoyed spending time together and creating memories.

Lois’ past and current hobbies and interests include reading, crocheting (she did amazing work!), crossword puzzles, cooking/baking, and taking care of her flowerbeds, grandkids, and children. Birthday celebrations and creating family traditions were very important to her.

Lois is survived by her loving daughters, Lucinda M. (Ray) Smetana-Hull, and Lanelda M. (Michael) Todd; three beautiful and precious grandchildren, Courtney L. Smetana-Hull, Zane M. Todd, and Kelsey L. Todd; and her sister, Lela (Earl) Haggard; plus many nieces and nephews.  Proceeded in death by her husband of 52 years Leo M. Smetana; son Lyndall M. Smetana; parents; brothers: Lloyd (Peggy) Creed, Larry Creed; sisters: Florene (Don) Ross, Linda (Harvey) Goforth.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30am, Monday, April 27, 2026, at First United Methodist Church.

A memorial has been established with the Wichita Public Library Foundation, 711 W. 2nd St. N., Wichita, KS 67203.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.