Olivia Marcella Smith

Olivia M. Smith, age 89, passed away at her home in Mission, Kansas on Dec. 29, 2017. Born May 5, 1928 to Ferdinand E. and Anna C. Arkebauer Tiemann in rural Lincoln, Kansas, Olivia was the fifth of eight children. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1945 and graduated from Kansas State University in 1949 with a BA in Music. On June 3, 1951, Olivia was united in marriage to Harold D. Smith to whom their children, Charles E. and Deborah J. were born. The family lived in Olathe, Kansas, Midland, Michigan and Lombard, Illinois. Olivia taught elementary music education for 20 years in Glen Ellyn, Illinois before retiring in 1986. She and her husband moved to Mission, Kansas in 1987. Olivia was a classically trained pianist and was active in Faith Lutheran Church of Prairie Village, Kansas for 30 years and participated in the choir and bell choir. Olivia was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, July 4, 1989 and siblings Adeline (Sanford) Bergo, Dolores Tiemann, Mildred (Mark II) Krause, Orvin (Joan) Tiemann, Lloyd (Betty) Tiemann, and Floyd (Mary) Tiemann. She is survived by one sister Evelyn Finley of Gardner, KS; three sisters-in-law Joan Tiemann, Elizabeth Smith, and Jean Smith; son Charles (Angel Rarick) Smith; daughter Deborah Smith; grandchildren Joshua (Naomi) Knight and their children Levi, Claire, and Esmé; Christian (Veronica) Knight and their children Eleanor, Tilly Jane, and Ivan; Lora (Brent) Pierce and their children Addison and Brody; Tobias (LeeMarie) Smith; step grandchildren Andon (Anna) Bervert and their child Aria; and Brandyn Bervert. The family requests that donations be made to Kansas City Civic Orchestra, P.O. Box 224, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Olivia's Tribute Wall.