Linn County News
Published January 31, 2024
Jenny Lea Smith, aged 52, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2024. She was born on Oct. 24, 1971, in Merriam, Kan., to Earl and Janet Smith.
She was a 1990 graduate of Paola High School. She worked as an account payable representative with Fairbanks Scales. Jenny was very outgoing and loved to stay busy whether it would be spending time with her friends, her sons, or taking on a part-time job or two. Jenny always had the ability to make anyone smile and was a truly kind and genuine person. Jenny always wanted to help people as much as she could no matter the circumstances. Jenny loved spending time with her son watching Pat MacAfee and loved sending pictures of her grandbaby, Malia, to her friends and family. Being Malia’s “Maggie” was a highlight these past 18 months. Jenny loved flowers and watching her sons play Soccer at University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kan.
Jenny was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Earl Smith; her grandparents, Joe and Lenora Smith; and Glen and Juanita Feighner.
She is survived by her mother, Janet Smith; her sons, Clayton Lee and Nicholas Lee (Kelsey) and granddaughter, Malia Lee; sisters, Kristi Bare (Mike) and Heidi Martin (Philip); brother, Toby Smith (Melanie); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and lots of friends.
The family wishes to thank Fairbanks and Olathe Hospice House for all the love, care and support provided to Jenny and her family.
Jenny’s visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by her Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kan. 66204. Inurnment will follow in Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg, Kan.
In lieu of flowers, Jenny requested donations to University of Saint Mary - Men’s Soccer, in her name at https://www.supportusm.com/ways-to-give/
OBITUARIES
Lonnie Dale Sprague ~ 11-15-1954 to 12-27-2025
Linn County News Published December 31, 2025 Lonnie Dale Sprague, age 71, of Kincaid, Kan., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. Lonnie was born on Nov. 15, 1954, in Iola, Kan., the first of three children born to Dale and Fern (Huggins) Sprague. He grew up... [More]
Airen Joseph Andula ~ 09-18-2012 to 12-22-2025
Linn County News Published December 31, 2025 Airen Joseph, "Airbear" Andula, age 13, of Pleasanton, Kan., died Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. He was born on Sept. 18, 2012, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Charles Andula and Anita Swan Gunn. He was a 7th grade student... [More]
Mark Ashley Maris ~ 02-22-1963 to 12-27-2025
Linn County News Published December 31, 2025 Mark Ashley Maris, age 62, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. He was born on Feb. 22, 1963, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Ashley and Catherine Maxine Mendenhall Maris. He graduated from Prairie... [More]
More Obituaries
- Wilma Louise Reeves ~ 07-03-1936 to 12-18-2025
- Russell Glen “Rusty” Moore ~ 06-19-1956 to 12-02-2025
- Carl A. Otto ~ 02-12-1926 to 12-06-2025
- Rose Anna Templin ~ 01-18-1959 to 11-22-2025
- Randal Lloyd “Randy” Bresee ~ 12-22-1962 to 11-26-2025
- Roberta May Staton ~ 04-23-1925 to 11-27-2025
- Leland Ray Underwood ~ 07-16-1946 to 11-02-2025
- Donald E. Johnson ~ 08-22-1940 to 11-11-2025
NEWS
Missouri case filed following death of Holiday Lakes’ teen
Kansas charges filed by KCKPD A case was filed in Bates County, Mo., Circuit Court, following the arrest of Damon Leonard, 47, of Holiday Lakes in rural Pleasanton, in connection with the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula, also of Holiday Lakes. Leonard was charged... [More]
Commissioners hear from SEKMHC board member on services, salaries
The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, Dec. 29, for their regular weekly meeting in which they made a few additions to the agenda, including a report from District Court and a discussion on mental health issues with Tisha Coleman. Coleman began by introducing herself... [More]
NOTICE: Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Blue Mound, Linn County
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Blue Mound public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: ... [More]
More News
- Commissioners review numbers for park and marina
- Skipper resigns from Pleasanton Council
- SPECIAL: Missing persons case takes tragic turn
- SPECIAL: Missing Juvenile – Public Assistance Requested
- Wagon Wheel Restaurant lost in Tuesday night blaze
- Christmas food distributions this weekend
- Commissioners given update on mental health outreach at jail
- Motocross track CUP discussed at county P&Z
SPORTS
Blu-Jay boys sweep and girls split against Altoona Midway and Uniontown
The Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played Three River League opponents this past week as they traveled to Altoona Midway on Dec. 16 and then to Uniontown on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or... [More]
Prairie View girls’ basketball falls to Santa Fe Trail and Iola
The Prairie View girls’ basketball teams had two Pioneer League opponents this week in Santa Fe Trail and Iola. The Lady Buffs traveled to Santa Fe Trail on Dec. 16 and hosted Iola on Dec. 18. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News... [More]
Jayhawk girls’ basketball dominates Southeast Cherokee and Erie
The Jayhawk girls’ basketball team continued their winning ways this past week as they faced TRL foes Southeast Cherokee and Erie. The girls hosted Cherokee on Dec. 16 before traveling to Erie on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View girls’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball place second at Linn County Tournament with a solid performance
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball wins the Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes in the Fort Scott dual tournament
- Jayhawk Linn girls’ wrestling kicks off season with a solid performance at Caney Valley
- Pleasanton basketball opens season with wins over Marmaton Valley
- Prairie View football has 10 players make the All Pioneer League team
- Dawson signs with Pitt State
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