Phyllis Smelser Smith

Friday, April 23, 2021

Phyllis Smelser Smith was born in Connersville on Sept. 9, 1924.

She was the daughter of Dr. H.W. Smelser and Frances Shera Smelser.

Phyllis was a graduate of Connersville High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College in 1946. She also earned a teaching degree from Indiana State University and her Master of Teaching from DePauw University in 1973.

She became engaged to Paul Edward Smith shortly after his return from service as an Army Air Corps P-47 fighter pilot in World War II. Paul and Phyllis were married at Connersville First Methodist Church on May 9, 1946. They were blessed with the joys and challenges of over 67 years of marriage while raising four children. Phyllis gave birth to these four children over the span of three decades.

Paul and Phyllis raised their family on a farm a few miles west of Bainbridge. They moved off the farm in 1981 and settled into the town of Bainbridge.

Phyllis was an active member of Bainbridge Christian Church as a deaconess and then elder for many years. Years later, Paul and Phyllis became members of the Bainbridge United Methodist Church. Phyllis was also a Past Worthy Matron of Bainbridge OES Chapter 440 and a member of Community Service Home Extension Club for 61 years.

Phyllis was a dedicated and much-loved teacher at Bainbridge Elementary School for 28 years. She shared her knowledge, care and great compassion with hundreds of younger children. Several current teachers have recently mentioned to family members that Phyllis was a major reason they decided to pursue the teaching profession. Phyllis was also a member of both the Indiana State and Putnam County Retired Teachers Associations.

Nothing was more important to Phyllis than family. Among those who will cherish her abundant love and memory are sons Brian (Cherie) Smith and Trent (Lara) Smith; along with daughters Debby (Leonard Voigt) Provisor and Carolyn Webber; eight grandchildren, Joshua Provisor, Laura Provisor, Matthew Provisor, Amy Webb, Kendra Crouch, Lisa McSpadden, Olivia Smith and Kaden Smith; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, along with sister-in-law Jo Ann Smith.

Phyllis was preceded in death by husband Paul, along with brother- and sister-in-law Wayne and Marie Smelser and brother-in-law Robert Smith.

After retirement, Paul and Phyllis delivered meals in Greencastle, traveled in their motor home and attended many of Paul’s fighter pilot reunions held throughout the country. In addition, they spent many winters with dear friends in Homosassa, Fla.

Phyllis also enjoyed her furry pets, growing flowers and watching birds at the feeders. Above all else, she enjoyed holidays and special times with her family. In recent years, she greatly appreciated visits with friends at her residence in Autumn Glen Assisted Living in Greencastle.

Phyllis will be remembered for her beautiful smile and strong faith, along with her loving and compassionate nature and always showing kindness to everyone.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Brick Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until time of service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Phyllis’ honor to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hopkins-Rector.com.