Lorene Ruth SmithMcPherson, KS

Lorene Ruth Smith passed away on April 23, 2026 in McPherson, KS.

Lorene was born February 27, 1936 to Ed and Susie Winter in Hillsboro, KS. Lorene spent her childhood on the family farm in Hillsboro. She attended the Scheduler School District 48 and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1954. She later graduated from the Brown Mackie School of Business.

Lorene accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized at the age of twelve. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, and faithfully served the church for most of her adult life. Lorene’s faith was a central part of her life, and she was sure to ask every person she met if they had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was very important to her to share her love for Christ with all she encountered, and she supported many missions through the years.

Lorene married Eldon Smith in 1959, and they were privileged to have 56 years together. They enjoyed traveling and were blessed to take many trips together. They were able to take in and raise two of their nieces.

Lorene spent her entire 55-year career at the Home State Bank and Trust, and worked hard to earn the position of Vice President and Trust Officer. Her friends called her the face of Home State Bank.

Lorene enjoyed serving the McPherson community and was involved in many clubs and groups throughout the years. Lorene was highly esteemed in business and in the community and was recognized many times for her hard work, dedication, and service to her community.

One of Lorene’s favorite things in her final years of life was spending precious time with her great great nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed sitting with them on the porch swing and watching all the wildlife and sharing her love of flowers with them.

Lorene is survived by: sister-in-law, Cindy Winter; nieces, Kristine Froese (Gary), Sherry Johnson (Jim), Karen Winter, Rachel Winter, Denise Winter and Kathy Kenny; nephews, Rolland Winter (Jewel), Kevin Winter (Kathy) and Chris Crowe (Betty); great nieces, Lily Winter, Erin Winter, Diana Reich (Matt), Amy Johnson, and Mariah Arnold; great nephews, Brenton Froese (Laura), Jesse Froese (Haley), Jonathan Froese, Daniel Froese (KariAnne), Andrew Johnson (Caitlin), Thomas Johnson, Xavier Arnold, Nicholas Winter (Smith), and Beau Winter (Stacey); and 20 beloved great great nieces and nephews.

Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Smith; her parents, Ed and Susie Winter; her brothers, Virgil and Floyd Winter; sisters-in-law, Lillian Winter and Carolyn Winter; nephew, Dale Winter; niece, Judy Winter; and great nephew David Winter

Viewing will be at the First Baptist church on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5-7 pm with family present for visitation from 6-7 pm.

Funeral Service will be held at the First Baptist Church, McPherson, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10 am with a graveside service at McPherson Cemetery to follow. Please join us for a light lunch at the church following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Elyria Christian School, Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch, or the First Baptist Church of McPherson.