Byron N. Smithson

1935 - 2021

Byron N. Smithson, 86, of Ridgeville, IN, passed away Saturday, October 30th, 2021 peacefully while in the company of family members at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN. Byron was born in Green Township on April 1, 1935, a son of the late Thelma (Sipe) and Richard Smithson.
He was a 1953 graduate of Green Township High School, a standout athlete for the Tigers excelling in three sports. He was the proud owner and operator of Bonanza Holsteins, building his herd into one of the premier registered dairy herds in the Midwest, including "Patsy", who held the Indiana State Milk Production record in 1967. Byron was the loving husband of Mary Louise (Rittenhouse) Smithson, who he happily married on May 23, 1953 and sadly lost on January 21, 2018. He and Mary shared many happy years together, a love of family, farming, square dancing, line dancing, Gin Rummy, Euchre, and enjoying a well-prepared meal made with love by Mary. Byron was a former member of the Monroe Central School Board, helped initiate the construction of the current Monroe Central Elementary Building, and an avid "Smithson" sports fan. He will be long remembered for his dedication to his children and grandchildren, often found in the front row of their events throughout the years, basketball games, showing cows, and enjoying an evening out at Teppanyaki.
Byron is survived by his 5 children; Kathi (Smithson) Lillie, Pam (Smithson) Whitehead, Mark Smithson (wife Beth), Shane Smithson, and Todd Smithson, 2 brothers; Roy Smithson (wife Bonnie), John Smithson (wife Muriel), 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and a special caregiver and niece; Jenny Rebecca Sayers. He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Mary, and sister Virginia Dudelston-Withers.
Friends are invited to call Friday, November 5, 2021 from 4-8 PM and Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 11-12 at Randolph Friends Church (6531 N. 300 W. Ridgeville, IN. 47380). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12 PM with Pastor Jonathan Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Farmland, IN. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Randolph County 4-H club, Inc. Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries - Farmland Chapel.