Ramona "Gail" Smith, aged 88, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at her assisted living home, surrounded by love and cherished memories.

Gail was born on October 30, 1936, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Ramona June and Paul Raymond Puckett. Raised on a farm five miles east of Humboldt, Kansas, she began her education at the one‑room Maple Grove School and later attended Humboldt schools through 10th grade. She graduated from Chanute High School, then earned an academic degree from Chanute Junior College in May 1956, where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma honor society and served as class secretary.

A defining moment in her life came in April of 1945, Gail received Christ as her personal Savior at Humboldt Baptist Church—a faith she lived out through her life.

On September 1, 1956, she married her high‑school sweetheart, Lester "Les" Smith. Their early married life took them from Independence to Emporia, to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and finally to Wichita, Kansas, where they raised their family. Gail held positions at Electra Manufacturing, Emporia State University, Dude Printing, and Comet Petroleum before joining the Sedgwick County Extension Office. There, she served as secretary for the EFNEP program for 27 years before retiring in 1998.

Gail loved spending time with her family. In 1996, she and Les along with their daughters' families bought a cabin at Beaver Lake, Arkansas, where they created many cherished memories boating, fishing, shopping, and gathering with friends and family. Whether at church, work, her neighborhood, the YMCA, a doctor's waiting room, or her favorite restaurants, Gail made lifelong friends wherever she went. Her warm heart, friendly spirit, and gift for conversation made her beloved by many.

In retirement, she remained active in her faith community, attended the YMCA, traveled, and loved playing bridge. Gail's greatest joys were her Lord, her family, and her many friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Les Smith; her siblings; and her son‑in‑law, Ken Hudson.

She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Hermanson (Alan) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Shelley Hudson Albrecht (Rick) of Wichita; grandchildren Jordan Hudson (Frannie), Lacey Lies (Ryan), Alec Hermanson (Jessica), and Addie Hermanson; and great‑grandchildren Shane and Lola Hudson, Hudson and Emerson Lies, and Maren, Reese, and Wells Hermanson.

Celebration of Life
Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Baker Funeral Home West
3224 N. Tyler Road, Wichita, Kansas

Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating the life of this gracious, faithful, and joy‑filled woman.

Private burial will be held at Resthaven Cemetery prior to Celebration of Life service.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made in memory of Gail to a charity of your choice or to think of Gail when you give to someone in need.

Gail's legacy of faith, love, and heartfelt kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.