Ronnie F. Smith

Ronnie F. Smith, 69 of Leavenworth, KS, passed away Sunday, August 29, 2010 at St. John’s Hospital in Leavenworth, KS. Ronnie was born June 24, 1941 in Kansas City, KS and lived all of his life in the area. He was a 1959 graduate of Wyandotte High School. Ronnie retired from the Gas Service Company of Kansas City, KS. after more than 30 years of service. He was an Army Veteran, and an avid sports fan who loved fishing, watching T-Bones Games, and NASCAR Races. In retirement he enjoyed going to sporting events and vacations in California and Hawaii with family. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank O. Smith. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sharon Smith; daughter, Ronda Pinnow (Christopher) of Carlsbad, CA; son, Brandon Smith of Tonganoxie, KS; mother, Leona Smith of Kansas City, KS; sister, Sharon Pagacz of Kansas City, KS; two granddaughters, Addison Smith and Lauren Pinnow; and one grandson, Austin Pinnow. Condolences may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com. Arrangements under the direction of Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS.

Dad, you were my everything; father, number one fan, best friend. You knew how to speak to me with your eyes. You gave me and all who knew you a lifetime of laughs and loving memories.

I miss you more than I can express. Shine bright. Love always and forever, Ronda

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,

and cherished memories never fade

because a loved one's gone.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,

for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God has laid you see.

I took His hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Oh yes, these things I too will miss

Don't be burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and be in peace

God wanted me now; He set me free

Unable are the loved to die.

For love is immortality. ~ Emily Dickinson