HOISINGTON — Erin Lynn Smith, 17, died Sept. 5, 2026, in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Nov. 25, 2008, the daughter of Lorn H., Jr. and Lisa M. (Richardson) Smith. Erin was a senior at Hoisington High School that was looking forward to an early graduation in December and then on to Cosmetology School. Cosmetology was her true calling, she loved everything to do with make-up, hair, and nails. She didn’t like to leave the house until she looked beautiful and always had a new hair color or style to match her mood. Her creativity was also expressed in her love of art. She was so excited when she got the job working at Taco Bell, so she could fund her love of shopping. An entrepreneur in her younger years she would set up Kool-Aid stands and sell flowers from the garden, raising money to donate to Kans for Kids.

She was an active member in the Church of the Nazarene, making sure to bring all her friends to Wednesday night Youth Group, to share in her love of Christ and all the fun they would have there. She was a spunky, bright, happy-go-lucky individual whose light and laughter would fill a room and who will be missed by many.

She is loved and remembered forever by her parents Lorn and Lisa Smith of the home; and siblings, Scott Mickle, Ashley Mickle, and Hunter Smith, all of Hoisington; eight nieces and nephews; grandmother, Judy Harris Smith; and aunts and uncles, John Smith, Katherine Harden, LeAnna Smith, and Mindy Smith, Mona Hullett, Susan Richardson, and Charlie Richardson; numerous cousins and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, Shawn M. Gomez; maternal grandparents, Alfred and Georgia Richardson; and paternal grandparents, Lorn H. Smith, Sr. and Mary Pearl Smith; and an uncle, Darrell Richardson.

Friends may sign the book now until service on Saturday, there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding. Memorials may be made to the Erin Smith Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 9, 2026