Eva J. Smith

RICHMOND, IND. - Eva Jeanne Smith, age 89, of Richmond, died Thursday, September 8, 2011, at Reid Hospital. Born March 17, 1922, in Richmond, to Orva E. and Lillian A. Turnipseed Harter, she was a life-long resident of Richmond. Eva graduated from Richmond High School in 1942 and married Robert Eugene Smith in April 1949. In the late 1970's, she began her 20 year career in retail sales at Elder-Beerman, where she managed the millinery department for several years. She was a long time member of Central United Methodist Church, and she enjoyed serving others through the Richmond Area Emmaus Community. She was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a member of Loyal Chapter #49 for over 60 years. Eva was an avid supporter of Richmond's children's theater group, Junior Players, and for many years during the 1960's-70's she shared her creative and artistic talents in the design and creation of elaborate costumes for the young cast of several productions. Eva generously shared her time and gifts with many. She never failed to recognize a birthday or anniversary. She participated in and encouraged everything of interest to her children and grandchildren. Eva's Christian hospitality made her home the place family and friends would drop by, share a meal, or stay the night. She made life special. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many. Survivors include sister, Betty Rose Clements; son, Robert H. Smith and his wife Paula of Richmond; daughters, Angela J. Witherby and her husband Jim of Richmond and Rachelle J. Ludwig and her husband Rick of Bloomington, Illinois; five granddaughters, Emily McMullen and her husband Ken, Amy Smith and her husband Chris, Jessica Ludwig, Catherine Ludwig, and Trisha Witherby; four great-grandchildren, Liam and Caitlyn Rose McMullen and Lucas and Noah Thielen; nieces, Cindy Haworth and her husband Brenton and Paulette Evans and her husband Larry; nephews, Tye McMahan and his wife Vicki, Tom Clements, and Bill Clements; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Smith; parents; and one sister, JoAnn Dull of Richmond. A Memorial Service in honor of Eva Jeanne Smith will be on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at Friends Fellowship Community Room, 2030 Chester Blvd, Richmond, Indiana, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All friends and family are welcome. A private funeral for immediate family will occur this week at Central United Methodist Church, Richmond, Indiana, with Rev. Philip Dorrell officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to Help The Animals, 2101 West Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or Friends Fellowship Community, Development Department, 2030 Chester Blvd, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Eva J. Smith

March 17, 1922 - September 8, 2011