Suzanne Smith

Suzanne Smith, 87, of Shelbyville, a lifelong Shelby County resident, passed away, Sunday, January 11, 2015 at her residence. She was born July 14, 1927, in Waldron, the daughter of Fredrick and Lois (McKay) Keeling. She married William H. Smith on December 30, 1949, and he preceded her in death on July 16, 1986. Suzanne is survived by her daughters, Mary Jane Stewart and husband, William L., of Waldron and Cathy Durbin and husband, Ron of Shelbyville; son, James F. Smith of Columbus; sisters, Jacqueline Stocklin and husband, Raymond, of Greensburg and Elizabeth Harlament and husband, James of Boggstown; grandchildren, Tonya Wendling and husband, Albert, Keith A. England and wife, Michelle, Janna Zobel and husband, Greg, Leslie Weaver and husband, Derek, Jeffrey Smith, and Mandy Smith; great-grandchildren, Will England, Libby England, Bailee Zobel, Connor Zobel, Rachel Weaver, Logan Weaver, Emmy Wendling and Ethan Wendling; caregiver, Sue Noffsinger of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Suzanne graduated from Waldron High School in 1945 and the University of Cincinnati in 1949. She was a 59 year member of First United Methodist Church, where she was chairwoman of the bereavement committee, a part time teacher of the Joy Sunday school class, being in charge of the Prime Timers and planning their outings, a member of the prayer chain, a Stephen minister and the Covenant group. She was also a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star. Suzanne founded the “Meals on Wheels” program and was a founder and charter member of the Shelbyville Firemen’s Auxiliary. She also served on the State Board of the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. She was the first registered dietician at Major Hospital, where she served for 30 years, retiring in 1990. She was responsible for setting up and administering dietetic department policies, procedure and manuals. She also supervised the writing of the nutrition and diet manual for the hospital. Her most satisfying experience was the developing of employees, helping them with their skills and confidence. Suzanne was a former Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She loved her family very much and enjoyed supporting their activities. Suzanne also enjoyed traveling, taking part in family activities and reading. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Rev. Robert Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contribution may be made to Meals on Wheels, 126 N. Harrison St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.