Elisabeth Joan Smith

Elisabeth Joan Smith, 91, passed peacefully into the presence of her Savior on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at her home in North Newton, Kansas.

Elisabeth was born June 8, 1935 in Charleston, Nebraska, the eldest child of Henry & Anna (Rempel) Fast. She attended the rural schools and graduated from Henderson High School in Henderson, Nebraska. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young girl.

She graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1956. She served with Go Ye Mission in Oklahoma for a year. Having met Aaron Smith at GBI, they were married on August 9, 1957 at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, Nebraska. She often led women’s groups and Bible studies throughout her life, as well as faithfully serving as a children’s teacher in Sunday School, VBS, and summer camps. She was an unwavering support to her husband’s Pastoral ministries on the Caribbean island of Grenada with West Indies Mission, and in Ridgway, Colorado, Potwin, Kansas, and Burrton, Kansas. For many years she was a top-selling Avon lady in the Burrton area.

None knew her but to love and admire her. Elisabeth was a woman of estimable character and consistent, unwavering faith. She was a dedicated, devoted, and loving wife and mother, a cheerful companion and a sincere and encouraging friend. She was an upright, self-sacrificing Christian woman who walked in the righteous path of faith all throughout her life. The many good deeds and acts accomplished by this noble woman during her residence on this earth will be kindly remembered and fondly cherished by innumerable acquaintances.

She leaves behind a multitude of sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends who will miss her greatly. Her husband, Aaron, survives her, as do her three children: Sharon (Randy) Binkley of Liberty, Mo., LuAnn (Darren) McMannis of North Newton, Ks., and Allen (Kelly) Smith of Newton, Ks. She leaves 4 adored grandchildren: Michelle, Ryan, Chris, and Katie, along with 7 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister, Evelyn Schofield of Callaway, Neb., a brother, Don (Diane) Fast, of Wichita, a sister-in-law Loretta Fast of Canada, and 7 nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother, Rev. Darrell Fast, a brother-in-law, Charles “Buddy” Schofield, one niece, Julie Schofield, and a nephew, Jeff Fast.

Visitation will be held at Petersen Family Funeral Home in Newton, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Restlawn Gardens of Memory, just west of Newton, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Garden Community Church, where Elisabeth was a member. Memorials are suggested to Berean Academy or Samaritan's Purse, and may be left in the care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.