Jennie Marie Smith, 73, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Mercy Hospital, Defiance, OH.
She was born on July 18, 1939 to Charles and AnnaDell (Reeb) Champion in Hicksville, OH. On October 15, 1965 she married Burdette S. Smith in Antwerp United Methodist Church.
Jennie was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Moose, Eagles, YMCA, and the Defiance Senior Center. She was a 1957 graduate of Hicksville High School where she was valedictorian of her class. She loved traveling, reading, puzzles, line dancing, water aerobics and was a people person who loved to interact with others. Jennie retired from the Chief Super Market after 18 years..
Jennie is survived by her longtime companion and partner, Steve “Woody” Whatman of Defiance, OH, children, Lana (Tony Sharp) Brock of Townsend, TN, Charles (Pamela Marie) Smith of Antwerp, OH, Richard Wayne (Tracy Lynn) Smith of Maryville, TN, Angela Denise (Matt Salinas) Zech of Paulding, OH, grandchildren, Joel Seibert of Columbus, OH, Lisa (David) Schroeder of Paulding, OH, Joseph Smith of Paulding, OH, Alana & Carissa Zech of Defiance, OH, Aric & Cody Smith of Maryville, TN, and a sister, Sue (Harold) Howe of Angola, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Burdette, and a sister, Gloria Maag.
Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2013 & from 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2013 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, Ohio.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2013, at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Donnally officiating.
Burial will take follow in Riverside Cemetery.
The family suggest memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
