Melvina Smith

Melvina Smith, of Wellington, died Friday, January 27, 2017 at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Wellington at the age of 88.

Melvina was born the daughter of Jay B. and Sarah Jane (Raper) Earp on Monday, December 24, 1928 in Ketchum, Oklahoma. She graduated from Jay High School in Jay, Oklahoma in 1946.

On December 23, 1946, Melvina and Jackson McLain were united in marriage in Oswego. Together they had two sons: Franklin and Robert. She later married John F. Smith on August 19, 1955 in Liberal and celebrated 19 years of marriage before his passing in 1974. Together they were blessed with 3 children: David, Cole and Barbara.

Melvina was baptized in 1962 into the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Melvina retired as a merchandiser from Mass Merchandisers. She then utilized her skills during her employment at McCreary’s IGA and Apple Market. Following the business closing, Melvina spent a little over 5 years as a greeter at the Wellington Walmart. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother that will be missed by many.

Survivors include her sons: Franklin McLain (Cindy) of Blackwell, Oklahoma, Robert McLain (Tessie) of Pennsylvania and Cole Smith (Carol) of Wellington; daughter, Barbara Freese (Leroy) of Liberal, 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma and daughter-in-law, Alene Smith of Wichita. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son, David Smith; brothers, John Thomas and L.B. Earp and her grandson, James Smith.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2017 with the family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services for Melvina will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in the chapel of Cornejo|Day Funeral Home, Wellington.

A graveside service will be held at the Liberal Cemetery in Liberal at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 2, 2017. 

Memorial Funds have been established in her loving memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.cornejodayfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cornejo|Day Funeral Home & Crematory, Wellington.