Thaddia L. Garrison Smith, 89, Delphos, Kansas passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society – Minneapolis. She was born May 6, 1919 in Lost Springs, Kansas to Claude and Jennie (Sampson) Waylan.
Thad worked many jobs in her lifetime including the grocery store, newspaper office, and farm work, but her ceramic shop was her favorite. Many people in Delphos and the surrounding area took ceramic classes at Thad's Ceramic Shop. She was also known for her weekly column in the Delphos Republican for many years. Thad had a unique love for children and was known as grandma to many. She will be fondly remembered for her love of dressing up at Halloween. Thad was united in marriage to Gale Garrison and to this union three children were born, Sandra, Deanna, and Gale Dean. He preceded her in death in 1962. She was later united in marriage with Lester Smith and he preceded her in death in 1986.
Thad was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deanna McCullick; one grandchild; one great-grandchild, and her brothers, Melvin, Forrest, and Waldean Waylan.
She is survived by her son, Gale Dean Garrison and his wife Carol of Bella Vista, Arkansas; her daughter, Sandra Nordyke and her husband Jess of Minneapolis; step-children, Wayne Smith, Joann Fitzgerald, Virginia Helget, Deanna Wier, and June Gawith; eight grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday at the Delphos United Methodist Church with Rev. David Geisler and Michele McHenry, CLP officiating. Burial will be in the Delphos Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. Friday at Wilson Shields Funeral Home, Minneapolis where the family will receive friends from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Little Sam's Preschool at Good Samaritan Society – Minneapolis and may be left in care of the funeral home.