Marla Dell Smith

Marla D. Smith was born on January 3, 1946 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Robert R. Miller and Thelma M. Miller (Gebhardt). She attended school in Columbia City, Indiana and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964. Marla was a featured twirler and received in excess of 250 twirling awards including the Indiana State Fair Twirling Championship. After completing high school, Marla attended Western Michigan University on a twirling scholarship, where she obtained her Associate Degree (Business) in 1966. She was the featured twirler for the Broncos. In 1967, she married Anthony Smith, to this union was born their "favorite" and only child, Deirdra (Dede). Marla started her professional career at Western Michigan University as a secretary to the Band Director and moved on to Magnavox Corporation in 1966. She worked at Ball State University in the Student Teaching Office (1967-1968). In 1972, Marla began her 31 year-long career with Attorney and entrepreneur, Michael S. (Mickey) Maurer as an Executive Assistant and served as the Office Manager at Maurer Rifkin & Hill. Marla was a Westfield High School Marching Band Parent (1984-1985) and a member of the Humane Society of Indianapolis Board of Directors (1984-1985). She was an appointed member of the Indianapolis Cable Television Board (1986-1987), and a member and past president of Delta Theta Tau Sorority (1968-present). Marla enjoyed spending time with family, especially the Motocross racing events with her grandson. She and Tony traveled extensively and always enjoyed and looked forward to the annual holiday open house parties they hosted for family and friends for many years. Marla will be greatly missed. Marla passed away on February 19, 2019 and is survived by her husband, Tony Smith, daughter, Dede (Felice) Panarisi, grandson, Robert Panarisi, granddaughter, Megan Panarisi, other relatives and many friends.