Lonna Larae Smith

On the morning of January 16, 2025, Lonna Larae (Baird) Smith passed away at the age of 81 years old. Lonna was born April 29, 1943, in Salem, Ohio, a daughter of Robert and Zella Baird.

Bearing a strong resemblance to Shirley Temple when she was younger, Lonna was the oldest of three children. She grew up in Berlin Center, Ohio and attended Western Reserve High School in the class of 1961. Lonna was a standout cheerleader for the Blue Devils. Shortly after high school, she married James Smith, also of Berlin Center, and have two children together; Justine and Steve. They would later get divorced with neither ever remarrying.

Some close friends knew Lonna as "Cookie", but most of us knew her simply as "The Blonde Tornado". Anytime something was going on and 'the blonde tornado' was involved, you knew you were in for a treat. Other than being strong, beautiful and kind, this particular nickname derived from her being the ultimate prankster. Whether it was jumping out of windows to scare her husband, dressing up for Halloween, or redecorating bathrooms during parties while no one knew, these shenanigans became staple of who she was.

Always knowing her way around a cocktail, Lonna was a longtime bartender/waitress for several different establishments during her life. Living in Alliance and Salem, she tended bar at both The Alliance Elks and Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. She also served at Lakeside Pines, Hippity Hop, the Upstairs Lounge, and Ben's Restaurant for several years. Aside from her career as a server, she was also an excellent cook and baker. Apart from her homemade barbeque sauce and pistachio pudding, she made the best homemade pizzas. When she wasn't in the kitchen, you could find Lonna outside in her garden. She had quite the green thumb and had huge gardens full of flowers and plants. She could grow just about anything! She also loved music and introduced a lot of us to the Motown era of music. She had an affinity for Al Green and Marvin Gaye and would always play their records. Other hobbies included bargain shopping, chex-mix parties, playing Yahtzee, bowling, and golf.

As her parents aged, Lonna was the absolute best caregiver she could be to them up until the end. She was great with people and everyone loved her sense of humor and her compassion for others. When got older, Lonna suffered a stroke that would ultimately have her stay in assisted living. She would still get out and live every chance she would get, hitting Apple Bee's happy hour up for lunch and a cocktail. There are so many stories to be shared, some believable, some unbelievable, but that's truly what made Lonna someone you would want to spend your time with.

After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, she continued a strong and courageous fight until the end. Although she would never let her stroke or her cancer get in the way of doing the things she liked to do. She truly was a trooper until the end. The family would like to thank the Maplecrest staff and Sanctuary Hospice for the time and care they provided.

Lonna was a great mother, aunt, nanny, and even great-nanny. Her laugh was infectious, her style was glamorous, her beauty was undeniable, and her sense of humor will live on in all of us. All of our hearts ache that she has left us and she will be greatly missed.

Lonna was preceded in death by her son Steve Smith and her grandson Tyson Reese. She will be greatly missed by her brother Ted Baird; sister Vicki Tych; daughter Justine VanSteenberg (Gary); grandson Cody Reese (Kathy), great-grandson Crew; great-granddaughter London; nephew Rob Fleming and great-nephew Gavin; niece Krissy Edwards (Scott) and great-nephew Beau, and several cousins and friends that will always remember the best times with Lonna.

We will be having a casual Celebration of Life for Lonna on February 8th from 12:00 to 2:00pm at Gednetz-Ruzek & Brown located at 126 West Vermont Ave, Sebring, Ohio, 44672. Friends and family may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526.