Anniversary

Thayer and Kay (Thompson) Smith will celebrate 60 years of marriage April 17. The couple was married in Pratt in 1960. Together they have four children: Alison and Rick LaRose, Ellsworth, Jerilyn McCann, Hutchinson, Tamara and Jeff Debey, Garnett, and Yvonda and Randy Freeman, Balko, Okla. The couple has resided in Ellsworth for 50 years.

Thayer was a surveyor for Van Gundy and Associates in Ellsworth for 21 years, and then with Kirkham Michael and Associates, for 16 years. He retired in 2006 as the Vice President.

Kay devoted 37 years to her family and home as a homemaker, before going to work for Duckwalls. She retired as the Operations Manager for ALCO in 2005.

Thayer still enjoys golfing several times a week and Kay is an avid crafter.

Thayer and Kay are surrounded by family, including 10 grandchildren: Ambur Swisher, Destiny and Bryan Herbst, Trent and Matthew Swisher, Scott and Wesley DeWitt, Michael and Shannon Winckler, Kaydee Sheets, Jennifer Acker and Haley and Cody Ruble.

They’ve been blessed with numerous great grandchildren, as well: Taylor Swisher; Koda, Cayden, Ambur and Kierra Swisher, Clio Sheets, Ben and Sam DeWitt, Miles Winckler, Kendyl Acker, and Peyton Ruble.

Unfortunately, with 60 years together, comes loss. The couple lost two grandchildren, Ambur and Matthew, as well as great-grandchild, Clio.

The family has requested a card shower for the couple. Cards can be mailed to: 1204 Prospect, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.