Smith, Claudia K. 1942-2025 Westfield, Ind.

WESTFIELD, Ind. – Claudia Kay Smith (Dennison), of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Westfield, Indiana. She was born Dec. 8, 1942, in Maitland, Missouri, daughter of Reva and Oliver Dennison.

Claudia graduated from Maitland High School in 1960. Claudia married James Lee Ray Smith June 7, 1961, in St. Joseph. Claudia was a homemaker and volunteer pianist for her church for many years. Claudia was an accomplished seamstress, quilt maker, needle worker, and enjoyed many different artistic interests as well as being an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She was a member of the Church of the Brethren in St. Joseph until moving to Indiana and becoming a member of Grace Church.

Claudia was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and her brothers, Gary, James, and John; and her sisters, Esther, Viola, and Iola.

Survivors include daughters, Mary Kay (Cecil) Ellis, of Grain Valley, Missouri, Dianna (Steve) Cross, of Camden Point, Missouri, Teresa (Jim) Dechand, of Westfield, and Jamie Jackson, of St. Joseph. Claudia is also survived by grandchildren: James Rathmann, Mackenzie Dechand, Jacqueline Dechand, and Trinity Cross; and several great-grandchildren; and pets Gracie and Miss Kitty.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, with memorial services to be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating. The inurnment will be at the National Cemetery, Leavenworth Kansas, with her husband.

Online condolence, full obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.