1933
Oleva
2016
Oleva "Eve" Smith
February 18, 1933 — June 6, 2016
Oleva “Eve” Mae (Hart) Smith of Overland Park, KS passed June 6, 2016 at the age of 83 after a difficult battle with esophageal cancer. She was born February 18, 1933 in Springfield, Mo. to Arthur A. and Helen L. (Chestnut) Hart.
After high school Oleva attended Southwest Missouri State University to study art and design. In 1953, she married William E. “Bill” Smith. They began their 62 years of marriage in Springfield, then lived in Kansas City, MO, St. Joseph, MO, Beatrice, NE, and Richmond, MO.
Oleva was very involved in charitable projects much of her life. A Scout Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, and head of the Nebraska chapter of the National Foundation of the March of Dimes where she founded the annual “Cake Bake Auction” fundraiser in Beatrice which still exists 50 years later. In Richmond, she founded “The Ray County Art and Quilt Show” to support the Ray Co. Hospital. For many years, she was an active volunteer at the Richmond United Methodist Church. She was also named to Outstanding Young Women of America in the 1960’s. Oleva has been the assistant treasurer and board member of Missouri Valley Farms for the past several years.
Oleva was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be remembered for her extraordinary creativity, her beautiful art and sewing, and her love for children all over the world.
Oleva is survived by her husband Bill; daughters Vicki Smith, Valissa (Rick) Marston and Velinda (Jeff) Ingram; grandchildren Claire and Emma Marston, Jack, Andrew and Katherine Ingram; sisters Delores, Barbara and Jeanette and brother, Dennis, plus 13 nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Friday, June 10 at noon followed by a 1pm service at Wesley Covenant Chapel (Building C) on the campus of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to JDRF, KC Hospice House or The Church of the Resurrection.
After high school Oleva attended Southwest Missouri State University to study art and design. In 1953, she married William E. “Bill” Smith. They began their 62 years of marriage in Springfield, then lived in Kansas City, MO, St. Joseph, MO, Beatrice, NE, and Richmond, MO.
Oleva was very involved in charitable projects much of her life. A Scout Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, and head of the Nebraska chapter of the National Foundation of the March of Dimes where she founded the annual “Cake Bake Auction” fundraiser in Beatrice which still exists 50 years later. In Richmond, she founded “The Ray County Art and Quilt Show” to support the Ray Co. Hospital. For many years, she was an active volunteer at the Richmond United Methodist Church. She was also named to Outstanding Young Women of America in the 1960’s. Oleva has been the assistant treasurer and board member of Missouri Valley Farms for the past several years.
Oleva was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be remembered for her extraordinary creativity, her beautiful art and sewing, and her love for children all over the world.
Oleva is survived by her husband Bill; daughters Vicki Smith, Valissa (Rick) Marston and Velinda (Jeff) Ingram; grandchildren Claire and Emma Marston, Jack, Andrew and Katherine Ingram; sisters Delores, Barbara and Jeanette and brother, Dennis, plus 13 nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Friday, June 10 at noon followed by a 1pm service at Wesley Covenant Chapel (Building C) on the campus of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to JDRF, KC Hospice House or The Church of the Resurrection.
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