Anna Lavaun Smith

August 15, 1928 — August 14, 2025

Paola

Anna Lavaun Smith, age 96, of Paola, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 14, 2025. She was born on August 15, 1928, the daughter of Jess Moore and Grace May (Gazaway) Morris. Anna was one of nine children..

In 1946, Anna was united in marriage to Elvin Smith in Arcadia, Kansas. Together they built a loving home and raised two children, Linda and Randy. The couple lived in Shawnee Mission for many years before moving to Miami County in 1981.

Anna’s life was filled with creativity and care for others. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and doing cross stitch, often sharing her handiwork with those she loved. She also had a special talent for cake decorating and delighted family and friends with her beautifully made cakes for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions. Above all, Anna’s greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elvin; her son-in-law, Leslie Gulley; her parents; and all eight of her siblings.

Anna’s legacy of love continues through her children, Linda Gulley of Paola, KS, and Randy (Alice) Smith of Olathe, KS; four grandchildren, Jeff (Stacie) Gulley, Jeremy (Beth) Gulley, Shalyn Smith, and Taylor (Sally) Smith; nine great-grandchildren, Lindsey (David) Pozzie, Laura Gulley, Aaron Gulley, Alan Gulley, Anderson Gulley, Israel Gulley, Asher Gulley, Weslyn Smith, and Maizy Smith; and two great-great-grandchildren, Anna and Auggie.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on August 19, 2025.)