Barbara Faye Smith, 82, of Topeka, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022.
She was born August 22, 1939, in Ada, Oklahoma, the daughter of Mark and Clara (Myers) Lunsford. She graduated from Fitzhugh High School in Oklahoma.
Barbara counseled clients at the Iroquois Mental Health Center in Greensburg, Kansas. She then received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Washburn University and was a Licensed Social Worker at the Presbyterian Manor in Topeka.
Barbara married Gary Kay on April 4, 1959.
She later married Glenn Smith on September 29, 1978. He passed away on March 31, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her son Evan Kay. Her survivors are her son Bruce Kay and Evan's wife Susan Kay and grandchildren Aaron Kay and Angela Kay. Also are her feathered and furry "babies" Katy, Snickerdoodle, Pearl, Misty, Snyder, Reggie and Ceecee.
Barbara was proud to be a benefactor of Friends of Topeka Zoo and Helping Hands Humane Society. She received recognition from Stormont-Vail Healthcare for more than ten years of volunteer service to the facility.
Barbara was active in Prairieland Visiting Animals Association taking therapy dogs to visit patients in hospitals and institutions, and volunteered with her dogs in the READ program at the Topeka library. She was also a K-9 evaluator for social therapy dogs. She fostered countless kittens through the years for Helping Hands Humane Society.
Barbara volunteered with Glenn for more than fifteen years for the National Park Service at San Juan Island and El Moro National Parks.
She and Glenn enjoyed snow skiing and running, along with several trips to Europe including London and Paris, adventures down the Nile and the Amazon Rivers, and a Safari to Africa.
A celebration of her life will be at the Topeka Zoo at Camp Cowabunga on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, Kansas 66604-3720 or Friends of the Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage, Topeka, Kansas 66606.
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
To leave a message of condolence for Barbara's family or to share a special memory of Barbara, please visit the guestbook below.