Michael Ray Smith

Michael Ray Smith, 68, of Ottawa, KS passed away March 1, 2026 at Hospice House Olathe, University of Kansas Health System. Mike was born on May 14, 1957, to Jimmy Ray “Baby” Smith and Bonnie Jean Colvin in Kansas City, Missouri. Mike had an ornery streak a mile wide and was always playing pranks and such. In fact, for any of the family who still wonders about the truth, Mike finally admitted in the past few weeks that he is, indeed, the one who set fire to his dad’s shoes!

Mike was joined in marriage to Bonnie Kay McArdle on December 21, 1982, in Ottawa, Kansas and he gained a bonus daughter, Shelly Warner, and a bonus son, Randy White. From this union they had a son, Joshua Michael Smith, and a daughter, Caitlin Rae Smith.

Mike is preceded in death by both of his parents, his beloved wife, and his son Joshua. He is survived by his daughters Caitlin Smith of Ottawa, Kansas and Shelly Warner (Rick) of Wichita, Kansas, and son Randy White (Amanda) of Shawnee Mission, Kansas. He has five grandchildren, Samantha Willhite, Brianna Garten (Casey), Mallory Willhite, Joseph Willhite, Taylor Brown, and bonus granddaughter Athena Solomon. He has nine great-grandchildren Jadyn, Alex, AJ, Easton, Blakely, Arabella, Kinslee, Jameson, and Maya, and one great-great grandson, Elias. He is also survived by his sisters, Colleen Newell of Wellsville, Kansas, Debbie Keaton (Freddie) of Lawrence, Kansas, and Charlene McConnell (Daren) of Olathe, Kansas, and his brother Steve Smith (Nedra) of Lee Summit, Missouri, as well as many nieces and nephews and precious friends.

Mike worked a multitude of jobs in his lifetime and was the owner/operator of Riverside Satellite for several years after he retired from AFG Glass Plant in Spring Hill. In his later years he hosted his own internet radio show called “The Candy Lounge” radio with his wife, Bonnie. This brought him many friends from all over the world. He really loved these friends and treasured them dearly.

In recent days Mike’s focus was on his family and friends, his love of politics, especially President Trump, and turning his heart to the Lord. One of his favorite things to focus on was astronomy and watching sunsets with his daughter, Caty. He was able to spend his last days with the people he loved making memories and sharing special moments.

Graveside services will be held 1:00pm, Monday, March 16, 2026 at Hope Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. A dinner will be held at the First Christian Church, Ottawa, following the service, for those who wish to attend.

The family is forever grateful to everyone for their outpouring of love and understanding through this difficult time.

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