Velma Jean Uhl Smith

Velma Jean Uhl Smith, 96, of Coldwater, KS, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, surrounded by family.

Velma was born to Leon and Elsie Livingston on August 24, 1929 at home in Kiowa County, KS, and was the oldest of 8 children. Velma graduated High School from Haviland, KS, and went on to live and work in Pratt, KS. It was here, while working as a receptionist at a chiropractic clinic, that she met and married the love of her life, Gene Uhl. They then made their home on the Uhl farm near Coldwater. From this union, they raised 3 children. Velma was a member of the First Christian Church for many years and went on to attend the Assembly of God Church. She loved serving in teaching positions, volunteer programs, and sharing her homemaking skills, all while testifying about her love for her Savior Jesus Christ. After almost 33 years of an exemplary marriage, Gene passed away in 1984. In 1992, Velma married George Smith, a neighboring farmer, they had a few really good years together before he passed. This blessed her and all of us with another special family to love on.

She was a devoted mother/grandmother/great‑grandmother and her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Cal Uhl, Carolyn King (Nathan King), and Sharon Case. Velma’s grandchildren, Aryn Peppin (Gilbert Peppin), Alana Uhl, Aric Uhl (Sara Uhl), Natalie King, Nick King (Erin King), Ben Case, Matt Case (Callie Case), Daniel Case (Katie Case), Lauren Hancock (Tucker Hancock), and Spencer Case (Victoria Case). She also leaves behind 16 great grandchildren and 2 siblings. Her bonus children, Clark and Alice Smith and Lorraine and Terry Jones and their children and grandchildren.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law David Case, and a daughter-in-law Marilyn Uhl, along with 5 of her 7 siblings.

Velma will be remembered for her warm heart, kind words, beautiful smile for everyone she met, and her love for her family. Everyone who knew her will never forget how she always made them feel loved and seen. She was the first to help a friend or stranger and share with them her famous cinnamon rolls and her Christ-like love. She loved the Lord and lived as if He walked alongside her which we are positive He did.

Visitation with Family Present is from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Coldwater First Christian Church with burial at the Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Coldwater Assembly of God Church, Coldwater First Christian Church, or Pioneer Lodge in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.