Marietta Smith

Marietta Smith, 88, of Lewis Center, Ohio, passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, December 18, 2021 following an unexpected illness. Born August 16, 1933 in Bedford, IN to Ralph and Blanche Spangler, their family moved to Corbin, KY and then to Louisville, KY where she met and married Jerry Smith. They lived in Bardstown, Ky where Jerry set up dental practice before their call to missionary work in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Africa. They served there together as medical missionaries for many years. Upon return to the US, she and Jerry have lived in Florida and Kentucky and most recently moved to Ohio.

In Africa, Marietta served as the radio operator at Mashoko Christian Mission Hospital and taught Bible classes at Jairus Jiri, a home for children with disabilities in Harare. She enjoyed going out into the villages and being among the Mashona people. She served on the board of Kentuckiana Christian Mission and was a faithful member at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville. Since moving to Ohio, she became a member at the Worthington Christian Church and enjoyed being in the Good News Bible Class.

Marietta is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Dr. Jerry Smith; son, Dr. Robert Alan (Karen)Smith of Bardstown, KY; son, David (Ada) Smith of Bardstown, KY; and daughter Carolyn (Tom) Sherrod of Lewis Center, Ohio; grandchildren, Amie (Dr. David) Robertson; Brent (Britney) Smith; Ryan Smith; Lauren (Adam) Fish; Timothy Sherrod; Mark (Kathleen) Sherrod; James Sherrod; Joy (Addison) Fehl; and fourteen great grandchildren. Marietta was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Blanche Spangler; her brother Wayne Spangler and many beloved aunts and uncles and cousins.

Marietta loved the Lord and her family. She enjoyed singing, whistling, cooking, sewing and gardening. Her gift of hospitality brought many wonderful people into their lives. She never met a stranger and had an adventurous spirit. Marietta and Jerry enjoyed many happy memories travelling the world together. She will be greatly missed, but we are comforted that she is with her
Lord.

Visitation Worthington Christian Church Dec. 22 4-6 p.m. and prayer and remembrance at 6:00p.m. A service for close family and friends to be held in Bardstown, Ky Tuesday, Dec. 28 and burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Louisville, KY.

In lieu of flowers gifts in her honor may be made to:

Kentuckiana Christian Mission

P.O. Box 9155

Louisville, KY  40209-1-0156