Jodi Ellen Smith

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jodi Ellen Smith, who departed this life peacefully on August 30, 2025, in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. She was 73 years old.

Born on February 26, 1952, to Richard and Grace (Brooks) Meyer, Jodi grew up with a deep sense of compassion, quiet strength, and an abiding love for her family and community. She graduated from Bishop Ready High School and, later in life, went on to attend the Ohio State School of Cosmetology. Though she began her career with Ohio Bell, it was in the ever-evolving world of IT that she found her professional calling-contributing her talents and tenacity to both Borden and Chase throughout her career.

Jodi's impact extended far beyond the workplace. She gave her time generously to causes close to her heart, volunteering with the Suicide Prevention Hotline and fostering senior dogs through Grateful Hearts Senior Dog Rescue.

Her life was one of quiet service, endless empathy, and unshakable love. She had a natural gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her home was always open-filled with the soft sounds of laughter and the pitter-patter of paws. She believed deeply in caring for others, and she mentored many with the same tenderness and patience that defined all her relationships.

Jodi had a deep love for sharing new experiences with those she cherished. She found joy in simple things-walking and doting on her dogs, listening to others, and watching her grandchildren grow.

She is survived by her beloved children: Michael Smith (Christel), Lauri O'Keefe (Donovan), and Kristen Ullman (Joe), and her treasured grandchildren: Joseph, Jordan, Patrick, Hannah, and Lily Smith, Freya and Ceallach O'Keefe, Grayson and Clayton Ullman and her cherished and devoted sister Candise Phillips (Dave); and her loving niece and nephew: Kristin Michel (Tom Bohls) and Joe Michel (Kim Michel). She also leaves behind her cherished dogs Lucy, Abi, and Izzy, who brought her immense joy and companionship.

Jodi was a woman of grace, strength, and boundless love. Her life was a beacon of compassion, and her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. To know her was to be embraced by warmth, humor, and the comforting sense that you mattered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Grateful Hearts Senior Dog Rescue-an organization close to Jodi's heart. Contributions may be made via email at gratefulheartsseniordogrescue@gmail.com or by phone at 1-937-840-8141.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, Pickerington, has been entrusted with helping the family through this difficult time. Online condolences may be made at www.spencefuneralhome.com.

Service will be streamed at this link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1NjkyNDU5MzM3ODg5NCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJnZpZXdfYnV0dG9u