Jeanne E. Smith

Jeanne E. Smith, aged 87, peacefully entered her Heavenly Home at 12:55 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Vancrest of Delphos, surrounded by her loving children.

Born on July 12, 1938, in Van Wert County, OH, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Ruth (DuVall) Tribolet. She married her beloved husband, David C. Smith, on December 30, 1960, who preceded her in passing on January 21, 2022.

Jeanne graduated from Hoaglin-Jackson High School in 1956 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Miami University in 1960. She dedicated 30 years to shaping young minds at Elida Elementary School before retiring. A devoted member of the Elida Immanuel Church, Jeanne was deeply committed to the Elida and Allen County communities. In her retirement, she continued to serve as a docent for the Allen County Museum, tutored young students, volunteered with the Allen County Board of Elections, and was an active member of the Elida Optimist Club, Elida Bulldog Service Clubs, and the Allen County Retired Teachers Association. Jeanne cherished participating in Elida activities, traveling, enjoying cruises, attending theater and concerts, and spending time with her friends. Her greatest pride was her family, with whom she loved spending time, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Smith of Lima; her son, Steve (Julie) Smith of Elida; her grandchildren, Alex (Ryan) Dunham of Sunbury, Ashley (Casey) Reed of Lima, Chad Smith of Elida, and Carly (Trent) Long of Elida; her great-grandchildren, Rowan, Edeline, and Ezrah Dunham, Marlee, and Lakyn Long, Boston, and Benson Reed; brother-in-law, Lowell (Carol) Smith; sister-in-law, Shelbyan Tribolet; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a brother, Larry Tribolet, and in-laws, Charles and Eldora (Humphreys) Smith.

Services celebrating Jeanne's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. Pastor Randy Coleman will officiate. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elida Immanuel Church, 699 Sunnydale, Elida, OH 45807, or the Elida Education Foundation, 4390 Sunnydale, Elida, OH 45807.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.