Barbara Smith

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Barbara Rae Smith, 83, of Cleveland (formerly of Seneca, PA) passed away, surrounded by her family, on June 4 at Regency Hospital in Middleburg Heights, OH. Born March 18, 1928 in Clarion, PA, she was the daughter of Thomas and Doris Warner Anchors.

 

On April 26, 1947, she was married at the United Methodist Church in Clarion to Merle F. Smith, Jr., who survives. Barb was a loving and caring stay-at-home mother to her three children. She was also active in the Ladies of Laurel Terrace fellowship of the neighborhood.

 

Barb was a member of the Cranberry United Methodist Church for many years, where she was actively involved in various ministries. She was the founder and coordinator of the Ladies’ “Time Out” Fellowship, where she served for twenty years, and is loved and remembered by scores of women whose lives she influenced through that ministry.

 

It is agreed among family members that one of Barb’s greatest qualities was her sense of humor and her ability to laugh at life’s absurdities. She is fondly remembered by both children and grandchildren for her quick wit and her improvisational style of story-telling.

 

After living in Seneca for 44 years, the Smiths moved to Cleveland, OH in 2001.  They have remained very close and involved in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 

Barb is survived by her husband of 64 years; her daughter, Judy (Ron) Proper of North Ridgeville, OH; and her daughter, Margery “Mike” (Bob) Blauser of Fredonia, PA.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Thomas M. Smith.

 

Barb has nine grandchildren: Shelly Kinney, Melinda Smith-Yeargin, Danielle Smith, Becky Littlejohn, Nathan Proper, Andy Blauser, Jenn Blauser, Adam Blauser and Tracy Ruthers. She also has seventeen great-grandchildren.

 

At her request, Mrs. Smith’s remains have been cremated. A memorial service to celebrate her life and love for so many will be held at a later date.

 

In honor of Barb’s strong pro-life views, the family requests donations be made to Ohio Right to Life, 665 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Suite 200, Columbus OH 43229.  If preferred, in honor of several family members, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, 20470 Lorain Road, Cleveland OH 44126.