Evelyn G Reedy Smith

“This is the day that the Lord hath made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Evelyn Smith, 96 of Perrysburg began every day reciting this simple Psalm 118:24. Sunday morning, October 14, she passed away peacefully after a short illness. Evelyn was born in Toledo and graduated from Devilbiss High School. As a young woman, she worked in a Toledo bakery and then later worked for the Lucas County Family Court and Beltone Hearing. In 1944, she married her first husband, Herbert Wernert, and together they had one daughter, Diana. Tragically, Herbert passed away only 12 years after their marriage. In 1960, she married Robert Smith and had two more children, Robin Smith Laird and Brian Smith. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and St. Rose Church. Evelyn endured much in her life from losing her mother shortly after her birth, to struggling as a child during the depression, to losing her first husband, becoming a single mother and finally losing a son. Yet through it all she remained positive and never complained. She didn’t just profess faith, she lived it by reciting and writing down inspirational bible verses nearly every day. Evelyn and her husband, Bob, were instrumental in advancing programming in the early years of Wood Lane and their continued support of individuals with special needs influenced a daughter and a granddaughter to pursue careers in Special Education. She served as a role model for her entire family and was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren. Evelyn was an expert baker who specialized in making butterscotch pie, chocolate mayonnaise cake, and lemon meringue pie for all family gatherings. She enjoyed walking and watching nature from her window but loved nothing more than her grandchildren. She lived independently at Abundant Life Perrysburg until May of this year. In 2017 she was honored by the staff as the longest tenured resident in addition to being the oldest with a ceremony and a reception for staff, residents and family. Evelyn’s positive spirit will continue to inspire the lives of the family and friends who knew her best. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband Herbert Wernert, her second husband Robert Smith; son, Brian Smith; sisters, Marian Schultz and Alice Crossman. Evelyn is survived by her daughters Diana Wernert Coyne (The late Phil) of Temperance and Robin Smith Laird (Tim) of Perrysburg; step-son, Michael Smith (The late Dottie) of Tiffin; step-daughters, Pat Smith of Findlay, Carole Wiltbank (Dr. Thomas) Scottsdale of Arizona; grandchildren, Greg Coyne (Christy), Kim Smith (Sal) Kilie Smith, Kersten Smith (Jeff) Brooke Laird and Mallory Laird; great-grandchildren, Michaela, Shyanne and Alex, and many nieces and nephews. In her tradition of giving so much to so many Evelyn donated her body to The Medical College of Ohio. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Abundant Life Of Perrysburg where Evelyn resided for over 30 years and to the caring staff at Manor of Perrysburg. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made out to the Special Olympics of Wood County or Abundant Life in Perrysburg, Ohio. Family will be receiving guests Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00P.M. with a Memorial Service starting at 7:00 P.M. at Witzler-Shank funeral home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio (419-874-3133). To share memories and condolences with Evelyn’s family please visit our website at: www.witzlershank.com