Bobbie Jean Smelter

Bobbie Jean Smelter, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on October 23, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas at the age of 98. Born on March 10, 1927, in Kansas City, Kansas, Bobbie lived a remarkable life dedicated to her family and service to others.

After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Bobbie pursued her passion for caregiving and earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate. She worked diligently as a nurse for many years, ultimately retiring from St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

Bobbie married Charles Robert Smelter on February 15, 1947 at 3:10pm at the Otterbein United Methodist Church. Their marriage was full of love, laughter and service to the community they lived in. They welcomed three daughters to their union in marriage, Sindi, Debi and Rebecca. Together, Bobbie and Charles, owned and operated a plumbing business in the Topeka community, contributing to both her family and the local economy.

Throughout her life, Bobbie remained committed to making a difference. She volunteered with LeSertoma, a civic group focused on improving the quality of life for those affected by hearing loss. She held leadership roles within the PHCC Association, where she proudly served as the City, State, and National President of the Women's Auxiliary, attending over 20 state conventions. Bobbie was also an active member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, led Bible studies, and participated on the daycare board.

Bobbie's dedication to community service extended to her personal life as well. She was a Girl Scout leader and opened her home to foster children and patients from the Menninger Care Home. Known for her boundless compassion, Bobbie loved to help those who were down and out, as her whole life was centered around serving others. In her later years, she found joy in tap dancing lessons and shared moments of laughter with her husband and daughter as they performed as clowns together.

Bobbie is survived by her daughters, Sindi Byrd, Deborah "Debi" (Dennis) Creech, and Rebecca Phillips; her grandchildren, Charity (Kent) Glaser, Chance (RaeAnn) Byrd, Charlee (Chase) Leach, Dreher (Stacie) Creech, Laura Beth (Brian) Damon, Sarah (Millard Tosh) Phillips, and Emily (Adam) Freund; her great-grandchildren, Beaujacub and Hunter Creech, Tatum, Tristin and Trenton Glaser, Emerie Byrd, Max and Miles Leach, Kane Cullen, Parker and Brandt Damon, Josephine Stalcup, Coraley and Ellerey Freund and two great- great grandchildren, Adelene and Audrianna Creech. Bobbie's legacy will undoubtedly live on through her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Alma Hamblin, and her beloved husband, Charles Smelter. Bobbie will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her compassionate spirit, and her tireless efforts to uplift the community around her.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, November 10, 2025 at the Brewster Place Chapel, 1205 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611. 

In her honor, contributions may be made to Ascend Hospice, 4550 W. 109th Street Suite 210, Shawnee Mission, KS 66211 or to Brewster Place, 1205 SW 29th , Topeka, KS 66611.