Jean M. Smith

Jean M. Smith, 92, formerly of Elliston, Ohio, passed away into the presence of her Lord on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Otterbein Pemberville, where she had lived for the past six years. She was the daughter of Harry H. and Bernice B. (Newcomer) Van Horn, born in Vanlue, Ohio on April 17, 1930. Jean graduated from Vanlue High School in 1948 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1952. She met and fell in love with Charles W. Smith and they were married in Carey, Ohio on July 12, 1953. They celebrated over 65 years of marriage until his death on March 25, 2019.

Jean and Charles were the caretakers for Camp Sabroske, in Oak Harbor, Ohio, for over 10 years. She loved the many roles she played, cook, nurse, counselor, dump truck driver, and whatever task was needed at the time! Jean later taught special education classes and was the athletic director for the Genoa Area Local Schools Junior High school for 10 years. She also enjoyed helping run track and field events.

Jean was a very devout member of Zion United Methodist Church in Elliston, Ohio. She held leadership roles as the church treasurer, choir director, Sunday school teacher, and for many years she was the coordinator of the annual “Hanging of the Greens” service for the Christmas season. She was proud of her membership and leadership roles in the United Methodist Women, including President of the District United Methodist Women. She was a driving force with the Friendly Center and their annual garage sale. Jean was a 4-H advisor for 15 years and was recognized by the Ohio 4-H for her contributions. Jean was a consummate seamstress and created many detailed quilts for friends and family, also winning first place at the Ottawa and Wood County Fairs and a third place at the Ohio State Fair. Her works of art will be cherished by her family for many generations.

Jean is survived by her sons, Ronald (Barbara) Smith and Phillip (Janet) Smith, grandchildren Justin (Beci) Peavler, Kevin Peavler, Natalie Smith, Rochelle Smith, Rylee (Chaz) Conner, and Nicole Smith, and great grandchildren, Wyatt Conner and Ella Peavler. Preceding her in death was her parents, husband, Charles, daughter, Karen Peavler, grandson, William (Ray) Peavler, brothers, Ralph and Ray Van Horn, and sisters, Geneva Brinkman, Gertrude Howard, Virginia Garrett Wighaman, Della Baughman, and Leona Kemerley.

Visitation for Jean will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM, Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa, Ohio. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Zion United Methodist Church, 18045 W. William St., Elliston, Ohio 43450 with visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow in the Elliston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the church or Otterbein Retirement Living Community, 20311 Pemberville Road, Pemberville, Ohio 43450. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.