LITTLE RIVER — Ann Smith, 85, of Little River, Kan., passed away Sept. 25, 2019 at McPherson Hospital, McPherson, Kan. She was born March 3, 1934, in rural St. John, Kan., the daughter of Clarence and Rose McClaren Pitts. Ann graduated from St. John High School with the class of 1952, and attended Barton County Community College. She has resided in Lyons, Saxman, and Little River since 1978, formerly of Great Bend, Kan. Ann was a manager and area supervisor for Pizza Hut, sales clerk for Sears, longtime caregiver working was as a CNA, and founder of the Lyons Teen Center. She was a member of Sweet Adelines, and the Red Hat Society. Ann was an avid photographer. 

Ann is survived by her son, Sam T. Smith and wife Deena of Windom, Kan.; daughter Julie Cavender of Great Bend, Kan.; 10 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Jess Jez; daughter, Jeanine Pettijohn; brother, Kenneth Pitts; and sister, Norma Shryock. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Homes

214 West Ave. South

Lyons, KS  67554

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 29, 2019