Marla Christine "Chris" Smith

Marla Christine "Chris" Smith, a beloved member of the community, passed from this world on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Pierceville, Kansas, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched. She was born on February 20, 1955, in Garden City, Kansas, to Glen and Mary (Waldrip) Brownlee. Chris lived a life filled with compassion, generosity, and an abiding love for her family and friends.

A true professional at heart, Chris devoted her career to respiratory therapy, an endeavor through which she helped countless individuals live healthier lives. Later in her career, she worked in a Sleep Lab as a technician, which gave her tremendous pride. Her passion for aiding others was matched only by her dedication to her family, where she was cherished as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. Chris's nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life; she was the kind of person who would light up any room with her vibrant personality and unwavering support.

In her leisure, Chris found joy in attending and cheering for her grandchildren at their various sports events, embodying the role of the proud matriarch. Her enthusiasm extended to her love of sports, as an enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and a loyal follower of the Kansas University Jayhawks. Each year, she eagerly anticipated the thrill of NASCAR races, where she shared delightful moments with family, holding tickets that symbolized their shared passion for the sport.

Chris is survived by her loving husband, Richard Smith; her daughter, Holly Rohling, and her husband, Ryan; her son, Ryan Henneberg, and his wife, Brenda; two sisters, Jean Sporleder and her husband, Roger, and Joyce Trettenero and her husband, Jim; two brothers, Larry Brownlee and his wife, Sue, and Jimmy Brownlee and his wife, Shirley; along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Their lives are forever enriched by her presence and the memories they created together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Mary Brownlee; a sister, Janet Kirchner; and a great-grandchild, Gabriel Kenton Cedillo-Caswell. Though her physical presence may be gone, Chris’s spirit will continue to resonate within the hearts of her family and friends, serving as a guiding light of love, compassion, and the celebration of life.

Memorial has been established for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, in care of Robson Funeral Home, 620 N. Main Street, Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Robson Funeral Home - Garden City.

A funeral service in her honor will take place the following day, Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Deerfield Methodist Church, Deerfield, Kansas. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Deerfield Cemetery.

Chris Smith leaves behind a legacy defined by love, support, and an unwavering passion for life. She will be dearly missed, but her memory will surely live on in the countless lives she touched.