Ethel F. Smith

Those who knew Ethel will remember her energy, zest for life, and commitment to faith that propelled her to live a long full life. Ethel was born May 10, 1928, one of seven children born to parents Brittie (Thompson) and Stanley Pierson, and the last to survive. She grew up in and around St. Francisville, IL, where she met the man who would be her husband, Theron (“Smitty”) Smith. Their lifelong romance began when he got up the nerve to ask Ethel if he could walk her home as she passed his brother’s filling station where he worked. They were married July 23, 1947. Theron passed away in 2004 and Ethel has been waiting patiently to join him ever since.

Ethel never had a dull time in her 94 years. She and Theron traveled around the country, taking bus trips and driving with friends. They lived most of their years together in northwest Indiana with a stint in Sarasota, FL shortly after retirement. She worked in retail, full time for many years, but always took great pride in housekeeping and gardening. She was still mowing her grass, shoveling snow and trimming hedges, until shortly before her death. When she did ask for or accept help with any of these chores, she oversaw the work as if she was doing it herself. Her hobbies included knitting and cooking – no one could forget her cookies, sweet potatoes, or applesauce.

Ethel’s Christian faith was unwavering. She read the bible daily, was active in her church, Deep River Church of Christ, where strong friendships supported her for many years. Ethel cherished her close friends, including Faye, Bill, Harry, Alice, June and Jean, honorary grandson Kevin Smith, and her neighbors Erika and Danielle. Her friends were part of her family and she thanked God for them every day.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Theron Smith, her dear siblings, Bonnie (Kenneth) Worstell, Judy (Hershel) Thompson, Barnett (Kathleen) Pierson, Geraldine (“Gerry”) (Paul) York, Alfard (Donna) Pierson and David Pierson; her brothers-in-law James, Loren, and Donald Smith. She is survived by her brother-in-law Bill (Helen) Smith.

She was well-loved by her many nieces and nephews, some of whom also preceded her in death; Sharon (“S.L.”), Jimmie and Hershel (Debbie) Thompson; Marilyn (Scott) Compton; Thomas and Tim York and Becky (Danny) Stout; Connie Eads, Angie Whisnant, Kris (Eric) Bryant and Kenneth (Connie) Pierson; Janice (Tom) Nichols and Stanley (Hector) Pierson; Christine LaCrosse, Vicki Bowen, James Smith, Susan Hubbell, Diane Smith, David Smith, Hollie Green, Kay (John) Downing, Janice (Martin) Barbero, Glenn Smith, Diane Roberts and Steven Smith. She was also blessed with the love of her great-nieces and nephews and their children.

A public visitation for Ethel will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, Indiana 46307. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Allen Wright officiating. Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the Garden of Apostles.

We rejoice and celebrate her life today as angels’ wings carry her home.

Memorial donations may be made to Deep River Church of Christ, 7500 Grand Blvd, Merrillville, IN 46410.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Smith family.