Laura Pearce-Smith

Laura Ann Pearce-Smith, age 51, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Olathe Medical Center with her family and best friend by her side. Laura was born January 17, 1966, in Paola, KS, the daughter of Roy Glenn and Norma Jean (Demmitt) Pearce. Laura grew up in the Fontana Community and graduated from Prairie View High School with the Class of 1984. She earned her Associate's Degree through Fort Scott Community College. Laura was united in marriage to Douglas Smith in June of 1983. They made their home in the Fontana Community. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2016. Laura worked as a social worker for Tri-Ko in Osawatomie for 25 years. She later worked at LaCygne Elementary as a para professional. She then went into home health care. Laura enjoyed fishing, gardening, growing flowers, and horse back riding. Her first love was with animals. She had many cats, horses, and cows, Survivors include three brothers, Merlin (Debbie) Pearce of Paola, KS, Doug (Jennie) Pearce of Lane, KS, Jeff McCulley of Paso Robles, CA; one sister Margaret "Peg" (Daryl) Barnes of Baldwin City, KS; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Norma Jean Pearce, her father Roy Glenn Pearce, her step-mother Yolanda Pearce, and her paternal grandmother Bessie Pearce who had helped raise Laura. The family suggests memorial contributions to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Crematory, 605 O'Neal Avenue, Osawatomie, KS 66064. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Laura Smith’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.