Fredonna Smith

Fredonna (Donnie) Winans Smith 88, passed unexpectedly on July 8, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.

A Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday July 26 at Warren – McElwain Mortuary, at 120 W 13 St in Lawrence, Kansas.

Fredonna was born September 29, 1936 in Oskaloosa, Kansas. She was the daughter of Friedof and Alberta Fraizer Winans; sister of Nedra Winans Wolnick and Alvis Winans, which have all preceded her in death. Now she will be going to a peaceful place to join her childhood family once again. Surviving in-laws include her brother-in-law Dick Wolnick, Tecumseh, and sister-in-law Mary Winans, Topeka.

She married Howard Smith in 1956. He survives and currently resides at Homestead in Eudora, KS. They had 4 children. Survivors include Kevin Smith, Lawrence; Karen Smith Hall, Olathe; and Keith Smith, Lawrence. Their daughter, Christine Smith passed at childbirth in 1961 in Manhattan, KS.

Fredonna leaves behind 3 grandchildren Tiffany Hall, Lawrence; Kendra Smith, Walker, MN; and Branden Smith, Lawrence; a great granddaughter Angel Hall, Olathe; along with many nieces and nephews.

Fredonna graduated high school in 1954 from Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Kansas where she enjoyed cheer leading and was a member of the basketball team.

Fredonna spent most of her life in Lawrence and the surrounding areas.

She attends bible study at Homestead of Eudora in Eudora, KS where she currently resided. Previously, she attended the Central United Methodist Church, Lawrence; Methodist Church, Big Springs; First Presbyterian Church, Lawrence.

Fredonna worked at Security Benefit Life in Topeka, KS; secretary at Fort Riley Elementary in Junction City, KS; secretary at Broken Arrow school, and EFD in Lawrence; a homemaker; and later worked with her husband Howard Smith to start Smith Motors in Lawrence. She also, enjoyed watching her grandchildren Tiffany, Kendra and Branden.

Throughout the years, she participated in Jaycee Janes, EHU / FCE organizations and helped children in the Volunteers in Court program. Fredonna was quiet the conversationalist and always found someone to talk to. She will greatly be missed by all. The Smith family wishes to thank family and friends for their concern, prays and loving support.

You may leave messages or stories at the Warren – McElwain Mortuary website under Fredonna Smith.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Diabetes Association

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.