Jolene L. Smith, 82, of Parsons passed away the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.
Jolene Louise Westhoff was born on April 22, 1942, to Bernard F. and Louise “Corky” (Baldwin) Westhoff in Parsons. She grew up in Parsons and attended St. Patrick Catholic School, graduating from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 1961.
Following high school, Jolene worked at Mercy Hospital and at State Bank. On Aug. 22, 1970, she married Gary Smith and the couple made a home in Oklahoma. They later divorced.
In 1980, Jolene returned to Parsons and began working at First National Bank, which is now Great Southern Bank. She really enjoyed getting to know her customers over the 42 years she worked at the bank until her retirement. For many years, she was also part owner and operator of Westhoff Liquor.
Jolene was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and its Altar Society.
After retiring from the bank, Jolene made daily visits to area nursing homes. She enjoyed spending time with her family. One of her favorite pastimes was collecting cookbooks.
Jolene is survived by her daughter, Penny Smith of Parsons; two grandsons, Tate Smith (Amber) of Parsons and Tristian Smith (Sarah Cass) of Carl Junction, Missouri; a great-grandson, Emmett Smith; a sister, Maryeta Gilmore (Bill) of Wichita; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her son, Colt Smith; her daughter, Pamela McKay; a brother, Bernard A. Westhoff; and two sisters, Vivian K. Merry and Phyllis Pracht.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.
The family suggests memorials to St. Patrick Catholic School. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
