LaRue Smith

Mary LaRue Smith, 79, of Kansas City, Kansas, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 2, 2026. Born on July 9, 1947, in Merriam, Kansas, Mary was the daughter of Wilburn and Laverne Gowin.

LaRue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carroll Smith; her parents, Wilburn and Laverne Gowin; and her brothers, Roger Gowin, Mike Gowin, and Rick Gowin.

She is survived by her daughter, Tamara Hudson and husband, Josh Hudson; her brother, Jim Gowin; her sister, Lana Stevens and husband, Terry Stevens; her many beloved nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own; several honorary grandchildren, extended family; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

A 1965 graduate of Shawnee Mission High School, LaRue enjoyed a long and successful career in banking. One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as a loan officer, a role she cherished before continuing her career in banking until retirement. After leaving the banking industry, she joined her daughter in building Encore Boutique, where they worked side by side for the next fifteen years. Those years together became some of the most treasured of her life.

LaRue was a woman of unwavering Christian faith whose life reflected her love for God. She devoted countless hours to serving others through Sunday School, Children's Church, Missionettes, Vacation Bible School, and many other church ministries. She deeply loved her "Church Sisters" too. Alongside her husband, Carroll, she was a member of the gospel singing group Living Waters for over twenty years. Together they shared their faith through music, frequently singing in area nursing homes and bringing encouragement to residents through song.

Service wasn't something LaRue occasionally did—it was simply who she was. She faithfully helped organize the Wheels & Dreams Car, Truck & Bike Show for eleven years and was an integral part of the annual Flags for Freedom display. If she learned someone was hurting or in need, her first response was almost always, "What else can I do?" Many of her acts of kindness were done anonymously, never seeking recognition, only hoping to make someone else's burden a little lighter.

LaRue's greatest joy was caring for the people she loved. She delighted in preparing large family dinners, especially during the holidays, where everyone left feeling full—not just from her cooking, but from her love. She was an avid reader throughout her life, often finishing three or four books each week, and rarely went anywhere without a book nearby. She also had a flair for style. Her favorite color was red, and those who knew her knew she was rarely seen without wearing it. Whether she was headed to church, out shopping, or simply running errands, LaRue believed in looking her best and carried herself with grace and confidence.

Above all, LaRue loved her family. She treasured being an aunt and shared a special bond with each of her nieces and nephews, celebrating their accomplishments and loving them unconditionally. Her family was her greatest blessing, and she never missed an opportunity to make them feel special.

LaRue will be remembered not for wealth, titles, or accomplishments, but for the extraordinary generosity with which she lived her life. She noticed the lonely, the hurting, and the overlooked. She quietly stepped in where there was a need, gave without expecting anything in return, and left every life she touched a little brighter because of it. Her legacy is one of faith, compassion, hospitality, and selfless love.

In accordance with LaRue's wishes, no public funeral service will be held.

The family invites those wishing to honor LaRue's memory to do so in the way she lived: help someone in need, encourage a stranger, prepare a meal for a neighbor, or simply ask, "What else can I do?" There could be no greater tribute to a life so beautifully lived.