Nell L. Smith, 80, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2014. She was born August 11, 1933 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of Clarence “Doc” and Helena (Roos) Libbert. She graduated from Noblesville High School and received her Bachelor’s degree from Butler University and a Master’s degree from Indiana University. She taught journalism at Warren Central High School, a job she greatly loved. In recent years, she was in business with her husband, Jim. Nell enjoyed genealogy research, gardening, and the Indianapolis Colts. In later years, she especially enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, James E. “Jim” Smith; children, John (Jeralynne) Hawthorne and Katherine Murray; step-children, Lynn (Ray) Tapp and James J. Smith; grandchildren, Nicole (Evgeni Pavlov) Hawthorne, Matthew (Yanling He) Hawthorne, Kelly (Antonio) Quirino, Christopher Murray, and Cameron Sabotin; step-grandchildren Deann (Bobby) Arnath and Gregory Smith; great-grandchildren, Ruby, Henry, and Rosa; six great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Claire (James) Vandenoever.
Private family services will be held. The family would like to thank Hancock Regional Hospice and to express great appreciation to the staff at Westminster Village for providing Nell with two wonderful years of care. Arrangements by Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory.
Tandy Scheffler says
My love and condolences to your family at this time. Katherine, I see your mom in you–a beautiful smile. May you know the comfort of family, friends, and faith. May your memories be loving and lasting.
Verissimo Dias says
Dear Katherine
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.
My heart is with you, your childrens and other family.
Peace na Love.
Veríssimo
Denise Robertson says
My prayers and wishes for your family’s walk through this difficult times in your lives. Nell was someone who never failed to brighten my day. I took out my Warren Central yearbook the day that she passed and found her photo. Although I did not have the pleasure of taking one of her classes, I am sure that there were many students who benefitted from her interest and enthusiasm in her teaching.
I was always touched by the grand expression of love and support from Nell’s family when they were visiting. Mr. Smith would often take a few minutes to stop by my office just to say hello before or after a visit. Both his and Katherine’s eyes reflected their love for her, whenever they spoke about her.
May the Lord comfort and hold you in His arms.