Jolene L. Smith

Jolene L. Smith, 82, of Parsons, passed away the afternoon of Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Jolene Louise Westhoff was born on April 22, 1942, to Bernard F. and Louise "Corky" (Baldwin) Westhoff in Parsons.  She grew up in Parsons and attended St. Patrick Catholic School, graduating from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 1961.

Following high school, Jolene worked at Mercy Hospital and at State Bank.  On August 22, 1970, she and Gary Smith were united in marriage and the couple made a home in Oklahoma.  The couple later divorced.

In 1980, Jolene returned to Parsons and began working at First National Bank, which is now Great Southern Bank.  She really enjoyed getting to know her customers over the 42 years she worked at the bank until her retirement.  For many years, she was also part owner and operator of Westhoff Liquor.

Jolene was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

After retiring from the bank, Jolene made daily visits to area nursing homes.  She enjoyed spending time with her family.  One of her favorite past times was collecting cookbooks.

Jolene is survived by her daughter, Penny Smith of Parsons; two grandsons, Tate Smith (Amber) of Parsons and Tristian Smith (Sarah Cass) of Carl Junction, Missouri; one great-grandson, Emmett Smith; one sister Maryeta Gilmore (Bill) of Wichita; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her son, Colt Smith; her daughter, Pamela McKay; one brother, Bernard A. Westhoff; and two sisters, Vivian K. Merry and Phyllis Pracht.

There will be a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic School.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.