Elva Dean Smith

January 15, 1929 - December 27, 2021

Elva Dean Smith, age 92, of Iola, Kansas, passed away on December 27, 2021, at her residence. Elva Dean was born January 15, 1929, to John W. Thomas and Frances (Wright) Thomas. Elva Dean graduated from business college. She and Verne Oswald, Sr. were married in 1948. They had three children together; Verne Oswald, Jr., Michael Oswald, and Cynthia Oswald Hesse. He passed away in 1978. Elva Dean married Howard Heere, Jr. He died in 1983. She married Melvin Smith in 1989 and he passed away December 19, 2021. Elva Dean owned and operated a plumbing business and a real estate sales business in Topeka. She had a plumbing and real estate business in Iola for over 20 years. She retired from the local plumber/pipefitter contractor union in 1999. She was an avid antique collector and dealer. Elva Dean liked to travel with her husbands and she enjoyed living on the lake in Topeka. She enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with her family. Elva Dean was preceded in death by her three husbands; her parents; son, Verne Oswald, Jr.; infant grandson, Landon Dean Oswald; and sister, Joyce Scharvan. Elva Dean is survived by son, Michael Oswald (Leah), Iola, Kansas; daughter, Cynthia Hesse (Bradley, Sr.), Iola, Kansas; grandchildren, Joshua Oswald (Cindee), Jaime Westervelt (Corey), Jordan Oswald (Jessica), Bradley Hesse, Jr. (Megan), Brandon Hesse (Jenna), Rhiannon McMurray (Dennis), Taylor Oswald (Jessica), Dillon Oswald; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Janet Simpson-Hook, Topeka, Kansas; and numerous other relatives and friends. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.