Lavonne “Blondie” M. Smith

LaVonne "Blondie" M. Smith, 93, of Topeka, KS, died August 21, 2021. LaVonne was born December 20, 1927 in her parent's home in Osage City, KS. Preceding her in death were her parents Emil and Bernice Mussatto, her husband of 63 years, Ted Smith, her son Steve Smith, and her brother Gary Mussatto. LaVonne is survived by two sisters, Janice (Jerry) Gfeller, Phyllis Satterfield, and one brother, Don (Delores) Mussatto, her daughter Lynette (Calvin) Johnston, daugher-in-law Janice (Ray) Chandler. Surviving also are her grandchildren Brian Johnston, Carly (Scott) Hughes, and Chelsea (Jeff) Hargrove, as well as 4 great-grandchildren, Peyton and Addison Hughes and Kennedie and Hannah Hargrove. Also surviving is sister-in-law Ada Barkes and many nieces and nephews. LaVonne loved to dance as a young adult and spent many nights dancing. She worked as a waitress where she met Ted. While her children were at school, she worked in the cafeteria at Jardine Middle School. A favorite memory for the kids, was when LaVonne brought home cinnamon rolls and chili! LaVonne enjoyed her time as a scout leader for both Steve and Lynette. LaVonne started painting late in life and enjoyed her time painting in Osage City with her friends, she became quite a good artist. Ted and Lavonne traveled extensively with the GMC Motorhome Clubs and they were avid KU Basketball fans, attending games for 48 years. LaVonne's possibly greatest achievement was the excellent caregiving she provided for her Ted as he became disabled in their later years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or to the Smith Family Scholarship, School of Architecture and Urban Design, University of Kansas, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044. There will be a service at a later date.