Doris Marie Smith

Doris M. Smith, age 88, of Atchison, Kansas, died Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Amberwell Hospital.

Private graveside services will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to St. Benedict Catholic School or Operation Smile and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom final care has been entrusted.

Doris was born January 26, 1935, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence G. and Phoebe (Thrift) Watowa. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School.

She and Leslie E. Smith were married November 5, 1953, at St. Joseph's Church in Atchison. They were married 63 years until Mr. Smith preceded her in death on January 16, 2017.

Doris was a member of St. Benedict Parish. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking and sewing. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Sheryl (Terry) Sanders, Cummings, KS, Beverly (David) Kentzler, Atchison, KS; a son, Tom (Melinda) Smith, Rushville, MO; two brothers, Jerome Watowa, Topeka, KS, Donald Watowa, Sterling, AK; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and three brothers, Robert Watowa, Orville Watowa, and James Watowa.