Mary A. Smolik, age 56 years, of Great Bend, Kansas, passed away on Sunday morning, January 30, 2022 at her home in Great Bend.  Mary was born on May 16, 1965 at Hoisington, Kansas to Gerald Wayne and Sally Bella (Diaz) Ochs.  She grew up in Otis, Kansas and graduated from Otis-Bison High School in 1983.  Mary was a resident of Great Bend since 1992 and was united in marriage to Steven R. Smolik on May 26, 1995 in Great Bend.  In addition to being a homemaker, Mary read a lot of books and enjoyed watching WWE wrestling and cooking shows on television.  She also loved spending time with her grandson Ladonte.

Mary is survived by her husband, Steven R. Smolik of Great Bend, Kansas; three sons:  Jonathan (& Trish) Velasquez of Salina, Kansas, Justin Zadoka of Great Bend, Kansas, and Steven R. (& Abby) Velasquez of Salina, Kansas; one daughter, Tashina M. Diaz (& Michael Carter) of Wichita, Kansas; eight grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen (& Eric) Franzen of Great Bend, Kansas; and a great-uncle, Robert Ochs of Hayward, California; and many nieces and nephews.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Doris and Matthew Smolik; one granddaughter, Aliayah Carter; and two nephews, Chris Smolik and Michael Cox.

Cremation has been chosen, and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made in care of the family.  Online condolences may be left for the family and a full obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Charter Funerals 

2115 Washington St. 

Great Bend, KS  67530 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 2, 2022