Mary Dale Smiley

Mary Dale Smiley of Emporia died on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Flint Hills Care Center in Emporia. She was 97.

Mary was born on July 31, 1928, in Emporia. She married Max Smiley on November 2, 1947, in Emporia. He died on May 14, 1960. Max was a member of the 1947 Emporia State Basketball team that beat KU at White Auditorium and won 4th. place in the NAIB National Tournament. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend. Her greatest joy came from caring of those she loved.

Surviving family members include her sons, Bryon (Patricia) Smiley and Russell (Sherry) Smiley both of Emporia; daughter, Susan (David) House of Emporia; grandchildren, Cory and Megan House, Matt and Jamie Smiley, Kevin and Stacy Smiley, Scott and Keri Smiley, and Bryon Smiley; great-grandchildren, Max, Macy and Ben House, Taylor and Tyler Smiley, Addilynn and Brynley Hirt, Benson, Austin, and Savannah Smiley, Carson and Anna Smiley, Kaleigha Smiley, and Odyn Smiley; brother, Dick Adam of California.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother James Adam, Betty Notson and June Collins and Peggy Morgan, and grandson Brett Smiley.

Mary worked many years as a Secretary at Didde Graphics, and the College of Emporia. She was also an expert seamstress to make ends meet. After Max’s passing Mary considered her most important job was raising three children on her own.

Cremation is planned with a private family graveside service that will take place at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia, Kansas.