Martha Smith obituary: Martha Smith's Obituary, Topeka

In Memory Of
Martha L. Smith
1928 - 2019

Obituary photo of Martha Smith, Topeka-KS
Obituary photo of Martha Smith, Topeka-KS

In Memory Of
Martha L. Smith
1928 - 2019

Martha L. Smith, 90, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care she received while at Midland Hospice.

She was born July 14, 1928, in New York City, New York, the daughter of Edwin and Mary (Phelps) Newcomb.

She attended Washburn University where she received degrees in English and Education. She was also a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and participated in acting and music.

Martha was the secretary and word processer at Coffman, DeFries, & Nothern, P.A., retiring in 1994.

Martha married Paul S. Smith on July 13, 1952 in Topeka, KS at Grace Cathedral; he survives. Other survivors include daughter, Sheryl Kingman (Mark); brother, John R. Newcomb (Charlotte); grandchildren, Lindsay Brungardt (Matt), Jason Kingman (Ariel); great-grandchildren, Emily Brungardt and Madison Brungardt; nephew, David Newcomb (Leslie) and niece Mary "Beth" May (Dale).

She was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral where she was a member of the Altar Guild and Bell Choir. She served as past President of Daughters of the King. Years later she spearheaded the production of the book, “Windows of Grace.” She organized a sleeping bag project for the Topeka Rescue Mission.

She knitted many infant sweaters for the Guiding Light in New York City who distributed clothing all over the world.

She enjoyed planting and tending to flowers in her yard. She and Paul also traveled to many parts of the country as well the British Isles, European Continent, Canada and Japan.

She was known as a compassionate and loving person who was willing to help anyone as well as spending time with her family who she loved so dearly.

A Memorial Service will be 1:30 pm., Friday, February 22, 2019 at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, private internment to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, 66603.

To leave a message for the family online, please click the “Share Memories” button above.


Martha L. Smith, 90, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care she received while at Midland Hospice.

She was born July 14, 1928, in New York City, New York, the daughter of Edwin and Mary (Phelps) Newcomb.

She attended Washburn University where she received degrees in English and Education. She was also a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and participated in acting and music.

Martha was the secretary and word processer at Coffman, DeFries, & Nothern, P.A., retiring in 1994.

Martha married Paul S. Smith on July 13, 1952 in Topeka, KS at Grace Cathedral; he survives. Other survivors include daughter, Sheryl Kingman (Mark); brother, John R. Newcomb (Charlotte); grandchildren, Lindsay Brungardt (Matt), Jason Kingman (Ariel); great-grandchildren, Emily Brungardt and Madison Brungardt; nephew, David Newcomb (Leslie) and niece Mary "Beth" May (Dale).

She was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral where she was a member of the Altar Guild and Bell Choir. She served as past President of Daughters of the King. Years later she spearheaded the production of the book, “Windows of Grace.” She organized a sleeping bag project for the Topeka Rescue Mission.

She knitted many infant sweaters for the Guiding Light in New York City who distributed clothing all over the world.

She enjoyed planting and tending to flowers in her yard. She and Paul also traveled to many parts of the country as well the British Isles, European Continent, Canada and Japan.

She was known as a compassionate and loving person who was willing to help anyone as well as spending time with her family who she loved so dearly.

A Memorial Service will be 1:30 pm., Friday, February 22, 2019 at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, private internment to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, 66603.

To leave a message for the family online, please click the “Share Memories” button above.


Services & Gatherings

Memorial Service

Friday, February 22, 2019 at 1:30pm
Grace Episcopal Cathedral 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, 66603

Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home (785-354-8558) is assisting the family

Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home (785-354-8558) is assisting the family

Guestbook

Condolence messages can be comforting to family and friends who are experiencing a loss.

Click "Share Memories" above to leave your message.