Joann Elise Smith

JoAnn Elise Smith was born on Saturday, April 4, 1936, in Long Beach, California. She was the daughter of Montelle Samuel and Ruth Irene (King) Ogg. JoAnn grew up in California, moving to Williamsburg, Kansas from Long Beach in 1996. In April of 2011, JoAnn moved to Ottawa in Franklin County, Kansas, where she made her home until her death on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the age of seventy-five years. JoAnn graduated from High School in San Pedro, California, with the class of 1954 and attended college. She was a homemaker and worked ten years in Human Resources for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1985. She also worked as a bank teller at Crocker Bank and as a florist, both in Los Angeles, California. JoAnn was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Emerald and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa. JoAnn was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved caring for her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed mystery novels. She also enjoyed English comedies and old time radio. In 1956, JoAnn was united in marriage with Albert Ray Johnson, Sr. in Riverside, California. They were later divorced. In 1969, JoAnn married Peter James Kotorakos in Long Beach, California. He preceded her in death in 1972. On Sunday, April 28, 2001, JoAnn was united in marriage with Donald Wayne Smith in Ottawa. He preceded her in death on October 15, 2009. She is also preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by five sons, Greg Johnson and his wife, Marsha, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Ken Johnson and his wife, Len, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ray Johnson and his wife, Vicki, of Williamsburg, Kansas, Steve Johnson and his wife, Sue, of Anaheim, California, Peter Kotorakos of Ottawa, Kansas; and nine grandchildren, Eric, Corey, Racheal, Michelle, Ashley, Catherine, Callista, Ares, and Orion. SERVICES: Graveside services will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery at Emerald at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2011. IN STATE: Mrs. Smith will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa after 1:00 p.m. Thursday, where a Rosary will be said at 6:30 Thursday evening followed by visitation at 7:00. CEMETERY: St. Patrick's Cemetery at Emerald, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.