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 Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, KS 67401.