TOPEKA — Michele A. Smith passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at age 63.
She was born in August 1958 in Carthage, Mo., to Murlin Gene and Margie (Coates) Smith. She moved to Topeka in 1963, and later graduated from Topeka High School. She was a graduate of Washburn University, with an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, working in the legal field for over 20 years.
Michele’s career included working with the Law Offices of Tuck Duncan, Randy Baird, and Kansas SRS/DCF, where she retired in 2012, after surviving lung cancer. In retirement, she cared for her father until he passed away. She also enjoyed gardening, and was an avid reader.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Minta J. Rumsey; and her brother, Michael Smith.
Michele is survived by four children, Christopher Langsford, Nicole M. Malcom (Chad), Hillary Bixby and Brandon Champagne; and three grandchildren, Liberty and Robert Malcom and Jace Crowder.
Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, Topeka.
Condolences may be left at PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
