Mary Elizabeth Smith

URBANA – Mary Elizabeth (Studebaker) Smith was born on Feb. 22, 1951 to Joseph and Caroline (Hopewell) Studebaker in Springfield, Ohio. She died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on Saturday, Feb. 22, on what would have been her 75th birthday.

She graduated from Urbana High School in 1969. She went on to start a career which she loved at CRSI. She was the home supervisor at the men's group home on Oakland Street for over 20 years. The people she worked with and those who lived there became family to her. She loved those residents and became a fierce protector for them.

Mary was a member of the Urbana Eagles Aerie 979 for 29 years. She was a past Worthy Madame President.

On Feb. 14, 1997, she married the love of her life, James Smith. Together, they enjoyed 29 years of wedded bliss. The two of them held our crazy large family together. There's nothing either of them wouldn't do for us. To them, we will always be grateful and know the meaning of love and family.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Jim Smith; her children, Arlin (Sabra) VanHoose, Fawn (Chris) Stammen, Desiree Tomlin, Jan Michael (Lexie) Tomlin, Makayla Abbott, and Kyle Smith; her sisters, Marcia (Kenny) McGraw and Anna Sizemore; her grandchildren, Brienna (Cameron) Kifer, Amara Stammen, Laryssa VanHoose, Kaitlyn VanHoose, Olivia (Jake) LaCerais, Dakota (Kaitlyn) Tomlin, James VanHoose, Ava Caudill, Mickey (Clover) Tomlin, Owen Deere, Teon Stammen, Levi, Blake, Skyler, Heavenly, and Neveah Tomlin; 5 great-grandkids with 2 more on the way. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews with a host of friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Caroline Studebaker; sisters, Regina Roberts and Darlene Hall; brother, Joseph Studebaker III; brothers-in-law, Donnie Hall, Bob Sizemore, Dale Smith, and Allen Smith; sisters-in-law, Joyce Harwood, Tammy Smith, and Kathy Jo Roberts.

To know Mary was to love her. She was the rock to our family. She was the kindest and most caring woman. Her cooking was chef's kiss, which was something she loved to do. She was the most giving person. Some would say too giving, but that didn't stop her. If she knew you, you were family, whether you wanted it or not. Most importantly, she was the most loving wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, and grandmother around.

She was loved by so many around her and will be missed deeply. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and love during this difficult time. We truly appreciate every single one of you.

At this time, doing what she wanted, there will be no service. Her wish was to be cremated, so she could go home. There will be a gathering at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.