Jacqueline Jane Houdyshell Smith, of Tucson, Arizona, went home to the Lord's arms on Monday, October 2, 2017.

She was born on Tuesday, August 14, 1928, at St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend, Kansas, to Vivian (Vin) William Houdyshell and Glenda Gaye Lile Houdyshell of Pawnee Rock, Kansas.

Jacqueline (Jackie) graduated from Larned High School, Larned, Kansas, in 1946. She attended Colorado Women's College, Denver, Colorado, and the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.

Jackie married Arlyn Gene Smith of Rozel, Kansas, on March 25, 1948, at the home of her parents in Larned, Kansas. They shared a wonderful 56 years of marriage before Arlyn died on January 28, 2005. Together, they raised a family of three children in Rozel, Kansas, until 1964, then in Larned, Kansas, until 1978, when they moved to Tucson, Arizona. The desert of the southwest was always a place of beauty to them, and they enjoyed many happy years there. Kansas, however, would remain "home" to them in their hearts, and they never lost their love for all it meant to them. They visited family and lifelong friends often through the years.

Jackie is survived by her son Arlyn G. Smith II, Wichita, Kansas; twin daughters Denise K. Smith, Arlington, Texas; and Dana G. Hines (Rob) , Tucson, Arizona; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith Harris (Craig), Wichita, Kansas; Sarah Smith Patterson, Haysville, Kansas; Tyler Smith (Diana), San Leandro, California; Joseph D. Vrecheck IV, Arlington, Texas; and Spencer Hines (fiancé Alexandria Hollis), College Station, Texas; six great grandchildren, Alex Dillman, Bradford Dillman, Ashley Dillman Ward, and Sam Dillman, Wichita, Kansas; Lucy Jane Patterson, Haysville, Kansas; and Joseph D. Vrecheck V, Arlington, Texas; one great great grandchild, Ciel Alucard Ward, Wichita, Kansas. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her husband.

Jackie enjoyed a lifetime of serving others. She was a passionate and loyal servant in her church, her children's school activities, and in her community. Jackie was truly a "people person" and loved to make others feel welcome. She carried this gift of hospitality into her final years, serving on the Welcoming Committee at Mountain View Retirement Village in Tucson, Arizona. Lending a helping hand, as well as a kind word and smile, were her hallmarks throughout her life.

Jackie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Larned, Kansas, during her years in Kansas, and later a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Tucson, Arizona. She served as a Deacon, Stephen's Minister, as well as a dedicated leader of numerous Sunday Schools, Bible Schools, and church Circle groups.
While her children were growing up, Jackie was a tireless volunteer, whether it be in the classroom, as a scout leader, or in any other capacity there was a need. She was truly the kind of mother any child or grandchild could count on, and was always there with a listening ear and word of encouragement.

Jackie's life was altered permanently when she suffered Polio in her 20's. She and her husband Arlyn fought bravely to overcome the challenges and aftereffects of that terrible disease. Her children never quite knew of the degree of difficulty she suffered because she never showed it. In reality, she had permanent loss of many muscles in her body, including those in one foot and in her abdominal area. She never let it stop her from anything. Later in life, she would again be faced by the affects of Polio, as it revealed itself in Post-Polio Syndrome. She suffered in great pain during the latter years of her life, but it didn't affect her attitude or her radiant personality. Her strong faith in the Lord carried her forward. People were always drawn to her kindness and warmth.

Graveside service will be held in the Larned Cemetery on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Tucson, Arizona, or Interfaith Community Services, Tucson, Arizona, all in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.

II Timothy 4: 7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Safely home now, the suffering is over for this truly amazing woman who touched all of our lives.