Wilma Jean Smardo, 94, of Frontenac, died at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at Via Christi Medical Center following a series of illnesses.
Wilma Jean was born March 24, 1928, in Frontenac, the daughter of Goldie Cameron. She was a lifelong resident of Frontenac, graduating from Frontenac High School. Upon graduation, she worked at a bank, the court system, and later at the Parsons Ammunition Plant. She then started her favorite career, and that was being a mother and housewife. She cherished her family and, as time passed, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all affectionately referred to her as "Noni."
On Nov. 4, 1950, she married Paul Smardo, who preceded her in death on April 7, 2001. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Altar Society. She was a member of the Frontenac American Legion Auxiliary, serving as Treasurer for many years. She also enjoyed her membership in Ladies Red Hats. Always a Raider Fan, she became an avid Chiefs fan in her later years.
Survivors include her children, Steven J. Smardo and wife, Judy of Frontenac, Paul A. Smardo and wife, Kathy of Holland, Michigan, James K. Smardo and wife, Charlotte of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mary C. Lollar and husband, Bill of Frontenac; 10 grandchildren, Jill Stanhope (Steve), Jodi Bennett (Trey), Jason Clarkson (Megan), Jessilyn Clarkson, Chelsey Slee (Prescott), Peter Smardo, Charlie Smardo, Maggie Smardo, Keith Lollar (Jen) and Joe Lollar; ten great-grandchildren, Paige, Weston, Taylor, Piper, Easton, Henry, Anthony, Baylor, Dylan, and Harper.
She leaves behind a great legacy of teaching them all how to be caring, loving, giving, and faithful individuals.
In addition to her husband, Paul, she was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Goldie Bough, an infant son, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A rosary will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, Feb. 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church – Frontenac at 10 a.m. with Fr. Josh as celebrant. A private family burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to the Sacred Heart Building or Cemetery Funds. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.
