Barbara J. Smith, of Newton, died Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Asbury Park in Newton.

She was the daughter of Minnie and Henry Holderread, the 12th of 13 children.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pastor Delbert L. Smith; and several of her siblings.

Barbara began her teaching career in 1941 in a one room school house and taught in the Hutchinson area and other places as a reading specialist. After retiring, she wrote poetry and authored the book, "Dawning of Hope-Understanding Visual Development."

Survivors include her children, David L. Smith of Hutchinson, Ks., Alice J. Tice of York, Pa., Stephen D. Smith of Corydon, In., Timothy Smith of Newton; two sisters Doris Miller of Manchester, In. and Leona Ward of Ponca City, Ok.; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren; along with a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Monday (June 4, 2012) at the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, Ks.

Graveside services and interment will be held at 3:30 P.M., Wednesday (June 6, 2012) at the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery in rural Adel, Iowa.

Friends may call at the funeral home in Newton on Sunday (June 3, 2012) 1pm til 9pm, where the family recieve friends between 6 and 8:30.

A memorial has been established with Newton Church of the Brethren and the Heifer Project International, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.