Gwendolyn C. Smith

Gwendolyn C. Smith, 81, of Chetopa, passed away at 4:05 a.m., Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Higher Call Nursing Center in Quapaw, Oklahoma.

Gwendolyn C. Cross was born on July 27, 1940, to Amos Martin and Ada Luiza (Grady) Cross in Allen, Oklahoma.  As a young girl, she moved with her family to California, where she grew up and attended school.  She moved to the Neosho, Missouri area as an adult.  While living in Missouri, she drove a school bus.  In 1997, Gwendolyn moved to Chetopa, where she had lived since.

In the past, she was a member of the Keelville Church, where her husband, Rev. James Clifford "Cliff" Smith had been the pastor.  She enjoyed working in the yard and spending time with her dog, Mia.

On April 5, 1991, Gwendolyn and William Robert Hance were united in marriage in Neosho, Missouri.  He preceded her in death on December 1, 1999.  She and Rev. Smith were united in marriage on August 9, 2003.  He preceded her in death on March 9, 2020.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Robert Hance of Carthage, Missouri

Randy Cleaver and his wife, Elinete, of Dallas, Texas

One daughter – Kim Riddle and her husband, Joel, of Chetopa, Kansas

Twelve grandchildren

Eight great-grandchildren and one on the way

Two great-great-grandchildren

Two brothers – Coy Cross and his wife, Sharon, of Washington state

Amos Cross and his wife, Joy, of Washington state

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Hance; her husband Rev. Cliff Smith; and one son, Rick Cleaver.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.  Burial will immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.  Friends may call to sign the register at the funeral home from Noon to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday.