Carolyn Smith

Carolyn Ruth Smith (Roberts), 71, of Lewellen passed away peacefully on Saturday March 28, 2015 at the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Community Wesleyan Church in Lewellen with Pastor Mark Hornbaker from the First Baptist Church, Lewis, KS, officiating. Burial will follow at the Ash Creek Cemetery near Lewellen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Regional West Medical Center Foundation through the Holechek Funeral Home.

Holechek Funeral Home in Oshkosh is serving the Smith family.

Carolyn was born on August 20, 1943, in Dodge City, KS. As a young girl, she loved to sing, skate, and play games with her family. She attended Dodge City High School. She was married to Lawrence Kessen from 1960 - 1979. She married Given Smith on November 24, 2002. As an adult, Carolyn loved gardening and was a certified master gardener. She loved to cook for her family and others. She was an active 4-H leader, and was also active in her children's school activities.

Later in life Carolyn enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. One grandchild proclaimed, "My grandmother, she's so good with children!"

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Given Smith, her children; Dan and Cheri Kessen of Lewellen, NE, Keith and Marjorie Spence of Eudora, KS, John and Jeanette Gunkel of Spearville, KS, Dennis Kessen of OK, Tim and Shelly Kessen of Rancho Marietta, CA, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers; Bill Roberts, David Roberts, and Robert Roberts, and her dog, Molly. She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick Kessen, her parents John and Ruth Roberts, 2 sisters, Winnie Meadows and Phyllis Hoffman.

The family would like to thank the medical staff and doctors in the ICU department of the Regional West Medical Center for their dedication in Carolyn's care.