Christy (Ade) Smith
Christy (Ade) Smith, 49, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family after a brief but courageous battle with illness.
Born in Salina on October 3, 1975, Christy was the cherished eldest child of Brenda (Swisher Ade) Peterson and Eldon Ade. She grew up as a proud Southeast of Saline Trojan, graduating in 1994, before pursuing her dreams at Kansas State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Christy was a true Wildcat at heart, proudly donning purple six days a week, reserving Sundays for cheering on her Kansas City Chiefs in red and gold.
Above all, Christy’s greatest joy and accomplishment in life were her children. In February 2005, Christy and then-husband, Todd Lauer, welcomed Emily Christine into their lives. In June 2012, Jaxson Dean joined the family, born to Christy and Larry Smith. When Christy and Larry united in marriage on July 3, 2018, their family became complete with the addition of stepson, Gage.
Christy’s professional journey was as vibrant and dynamic as her personality. After college, she began her career at GTM Sportswear, managing Kansas State apparel. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found “Simply Baby,” a children’s boutique in Salina, alongside her mother and best friend, Brenda. For 15 years, the boutique was a hub of creativity and connection. After closing the store, Christy found unexpected fulfillment in providing childcare from her home, nurturing countless children, including her cherished nieces. Her daycare families will forever hold a special place in their hearts for the love and care Christy gave so generously.
Christy’s warmth and humor were unmatched. Her love for her family and friends was fierce and unwavering, often expressed through playful banter and a healthy dose of competitive spirit—especially when it came to poking fun at her rival sports teams. Christy cherished her role as an aunt, building special bonds with all her nieces and nephews. She was their biggest cheerleader and a constant source of joy and encouragement in their lives. Her laughter, loyalty, and zest for life will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Christy leaves behind her devoted husband, Larry Smith; children Emily Lauer and Jaxson Smith; stepson Gage Smith; her parents Eldon and Hallie Ade and John and Brenda Peterson; siblings Clint (Jill) Ade, Clay (Brandi) Ade, and Cara (Heath) Griggs; stepsiblings Angela (Mark) McGraw, Annette (Kevin) Mannel, Arlee (Maggie) Butterfield, Jason (Jeannie) Peterson, Michelle (Kalvin) Simmons, and Christopher (Leslie) Peterson; mother-in-law Earlene Smith; her beloved dog Annie; and countless extended family members and friends.
She is reunited in heaven with her infant sister, Holly Ann Ade; maternal grandparents, Dean and Nancy Swisher; paternal grandparents, Nathan and Idelle Ade; step-grandparents, Robert and Jean Myer, and Neil and Joyce Peterson; aunt Rose Ann Swisher Taylor; uncle Brad Swisher; cousin Jonathan Taylor; and father-in-law Larry Smith Sr.
A celebration of Christy’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina, Kansas. Private burial will follow at Gypsum Valley Cemetery in Gypsum, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christy Smith Education Fund, for her children, in care of 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, KS 67401.
Gary Lee Gilpin
Gary Lee Gilpin, 76, passed away Friday, November 22, 2024. He was born April 9, 1948, at Ellsworth Hospital, Ellsworth, KS, to Sam Gilpin and Dorothy (Wachtler) Gilpin.
He attended school in Holyrood, KS, served in the United States Air Force and was active in the Isis Shrine of Salina. Gary moved from Great Falls, MT, to begin the last phase of his career at Salina Regional Health Center in Radiology, as a supervisor, before retiring in 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy, of the home. Siblings Larry (Linda) Gilpin of Salina, KS., Marilyn (Jim) Maes of Salina, KS. Children: Steven (Ginny) Gilpin of Grand Forks, ND, Casey (John) Kirchner of Tucson, AZ, Tracy (Kelly) Helm of Tulsa, OK. Stepchildren Kristal (Joe) Ronnebaum of Stillwell, KS, Bryan (Lana) Pekarek of Marysville, KS., Sister-in-law Gladys Gilpin of Salina, KS. Ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren
Gary is preceded in death by his brother John Gilpin.
No services are planned.
Memorials may be made to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
Dr. Matthew Joel Wimer
Dr. Matthew Joel Wimer, 39, of Geneseo, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, November 20th, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita.
Matthew was born in Salina, Kansas on January 24, 1985, son of Joel W. Wimer and Jeri LeLynn (Swagerty) Wimer.
After graduating high school, he attended Kansas State University before graduating Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine. Matthew finished his Journeyman Farrier certification while completing his final year of veterinary school. He then interned at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.
After finishing his internship in 2015, he returned home to Smolan, Kansas to start Ranchland Forge Veterinary Medicine and Equine Podiatry Services.
Matthew and his wife, Abby, were married in Salemsborg Lutheran Church on July 24, 2020.
In his free time, he enjoyed being with people he loved, being out in the pasture, checking cattle, and helping horses.
Survivors include his wife, Abby Wimer; father, Joel W. Wimer; brother, Michael Wimer (Rylee); and sister, Melissa Haverfield (Michael).
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Blayke, Bronson, Ridge and Rawlin; and numerous aunts, uncles, family, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Jeri LeLynn (Swagerty) Wimer.
A memorial service will be held at Salemsborg Lutheran Church on Friday, December 6th, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ben Fulton officiating.
A private family inurnment will take place prior to the service.
The family requests donations be made to Salemsborg Lutheran Church designated to the Matthew Wimer Memorial Fund.
Mary Jeanita Goetz
Mary Jeanita Goetz, 96, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 21st, 2024.
Mary was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on January 24, 1928, a daughter of Barbara (Riedel) and Joseph A. Bieker.
She attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Ellis and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Salina, from the beginning.
She worked in Food Service at USD 305 for 10 years and as Food Service Director at USD 400 in Lindsborg.
On December 28, 1948, Mary married Donald Goetz in St. Ann's Catholic Church in Santa Ana, California.
Survivors include her two daughters, Barbara Hiner (Cain), of Assaria, Rita Billips, of Salina; sons, Joe Goetz of Hoyt, Kansas and Ernie Goetz (Michelle), of Minneapolis, Kansas; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary is also survived by two sisters, Viola Billinger (Joe), of Hays, Kansas, and Marlaine Gottschalk, of Schoenchen, Kansas; and sister-law, Sheryl Bieker, of Scranton, Kansas.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; 3 sisters; 3 brothers; son-in-law, Larry Billips; and daughter-in-law, Laurie Goetz.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 26th at 500 S. Ohio St., Salina. The Rosary service will be at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 27th at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church, Salina with Fr. Kevin Weber officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Queen of the Universe Church in Salina or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis.
