Inez M. Smith

Inez M. Smith, age 94, of Topeka passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Oakley Place in Topeka.  She was born December 8, 1926 at Kelly, Kansas, the daughter of Frank P. and Catherine (VonDenkamp) Fienhage.  Inez graduated from Holton High School in 1944.  She moved to Topeka and worked at the Santa Fe Corporate office.

She married Kenneth J. (Jack) Smith, October 24, 1945, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Topeka.  She became a stay-at-home mother until the children started school.  She returned to work at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a payroll clerk.  She retired after 30 years as an Executive Secretary.  Inez was a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and Goodyear’s Retirees Club.  She enjoyed travel, playing all types of cards, quilting, and especially shopping.

In retirement, she and Jack became Winter Texans along with several other couples, moving around from lake to lake and fishing.  During the summers they enjoyed the Kansas lakes and longer trips to the West Coast to visit family.  Jack’s health failed and he passed away December of 1996.

She later married Melvin K. Jones, Sr. in November of 2001.  He passed away in July of 2007.  Survivors include her son, Matthew (Rechell) Smith; daughters, Linda (Robert) Davis and Jodi (Jack) Leftwich, all of Topeka; and brother Galen (Carol) Fienhage; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jacqueline Tibbs of Schertz, TX, and brothers Celestine (Sally) Leonard, Robert and Frank, Jr.

Due to the pandemic, there will be a private graveside service at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  There will be a celebration of life gathering, whenever it will be safe for all family members to gather.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in care of Davidson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent online at www.davidsonfuneral.com.