Martha Irene Smith

Martha Irene Smith, age 88, was born in Beloit and lived on her Grandma Richards farm near Scottsville, KS, with her parents, Bill and Mary, until she was 11 years old. It was in 1943, she and her parents moved to Planeview where she graduated from High School in 1949. She landed a job at Boeing where her future husband, Vyrl would frequent her lunch line. They married in July 12 1952, just two weeks before the United States Army deployed Vryl to Korea. When he returned and his military career ended, they moved to Wichita had two children, Duane in 1958, and David in 1961. Vryl worked for local television stations and later Boeing before being laid off. Inside of one year, the family moved to Saint Louis for a few months while Vryl worked for McDonnell Aircraft. Then Boeing informed Vryl of a position open for him in Slidell, LA, and they made the move. After enjoying the “Louisiana Experience”, they returned to Wichita this time to stay. Vryl again worked for KAKE TV then the VA Medical Center. Mom was a stay-at-home Mom for several years, before adding to her loved responsibilities, going to work at the Wichita Public Library as an Assistant Librarian for 20 years. In 1995, and within months of one another, Vryl and Martha ended the working chapter of their lives and began another in adventure. In retirement, they traveled by any means available and camped extensively. After 58 years of marriage, Vryl cut lose from his Earthly Shell after a battle with cancer. When it came time, Martha moved to Reflection Ridge Retirement Community. She had a nice 3rd-floor apartment, enjoyed the company of her circle of dining and bingo buddies, and one of her best friends and old neighbor, Alfreda Elliott. It was on August 7, 2019, that she left this earth on her terms with the blessing of her family. She was a loving wife, tenacious mother, doting grandmother, and loyal friend who will be missed beyond measure. She leaves behind her legacy of two sons, Duane and David; grandchildren, Derik Smith, Rejena Smith, Jay Smith, Travis Smith; and 8 great grandchildren.