Judy Ann Smiley (Wessel), 88, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. She was born July 19, 1938, in Herington, Kansas, to Herbert and Esther (Schwab) Wessel.
Judy moved to Salina, Kansas, during her high school years and graduated from Salina Central High School in 1955. On September 28, 1958, she married the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Smiley, beginning a lifetime of love, family, and adventure.
As an Air Force wife, Judy embraced the challenges of military life, raising three children while the family moved across the country. Her strength, independence, and determination were evident in every home they established.
After settling in Wichita in 1982, Judy embarked on a new chapter, returning to college while her youngest was still in high school. With her strong work ethic, optimism, and a healthy dose of stubbornness, she earned her degree in social work and later completed her master's degree. She found great purpose in her career, dedicating herself to helping others through her work in both Kansas and Oklahoma. She retired in 2000, returning to Wichita to enjoy time with her family and grandchildren.
Judy enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She was a devoted member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where her faith and friendships were an important part of her life.
Known for her positive outlook, determination, and generous spirit, Judy approached life with an unwavering belief that things would work out. She was a woman of strength and resilience who touched many lives through her kindness, friendship, and willingness to help others. Her greatest legacy lives on in the family she loved and the many people whose lives she enriched along the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Esther Wessel; her beloved husband, Dick Smiley; her brother, Raymond Wessel; her daughter, Christine Smiley; and her son, Scott Smiley.
Judy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Tom Wagner of Wichita; her grandchildren, Mitchell Wagner and Madison Gilbert of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Nick and Jocelyn Wagner of Wichita; Jack Wagner and Jena LaValle of Kansas City, Kansas; and Katie and Trey DeGarmo of Wichita. She is also survived by her sister, Lyn O'Neal of Greenfield, Indiana.
Visitation and viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., both at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st Street, Wichita, Kansas 67205.
Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st Street, Wichita, Kansas 67205.
