Jodie D. Smith, 65, passed away unexpectedly due to a medical issue on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Born in South Bend, Indiana on August 28, 1955, Jodie was one of four children born to Richard J. “Dick” and Edna Mildred “Mid” (Bowles) Grolich. She would grow up in Argos, working at their family grocery store. Jodie graduated from Argos High School with the class of 1973. She would attend Ancilla College in Donaldson before transferring to Indiana University-South Bend. She would graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.
In May of 1991, Jodie began working for Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc. as a case manager. With a giving heart and strong determination, she worked her way to the Vice President of Adult Services, and for the last 4 years, served as the C.E.O. of Marshall-Starke Development Center. Jodie was well respected by the staff and loved by the consumers. She grew the agency in her 30 years of service and helped them grow to a $6.4 million non-profit organization. Most recently, she safely ushered them through the Covid pandemic. Work was her true passion, and she truly adored her work, staff and consumers.
Jodie was loving, kind and giving to others. She was always willing to help and was a “mother” to many. The only thing that topped her work, was being a Grandma. Her free time was spent with her four grandchildren. Reading and education were important to her, and whenever she visited her grandkids, she brought new books to cuddle close and read. Jodie’s family also meant everything to her. She was there for them in any role she needed to take on and cared for her Mother until her passing. Jodie was a 4-H volunteer in her earlier years and a past member of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority.
Her giving heart gave until the very end, by choosing to be an organ donor.
She is deeply missed by her significant other, Terry Tahara of Bremen; her children, Todd A. (Laury) Smith of Scottsdale, AZ, Jana L. (Robert) Ferraro of Chandler, AZ, Megan (Brian) Crim of New Palestine, IN and Tom Tahara of Bremen; her grandchildren, Finley Smith, Charlie Ferraro, Brooklyn and Jameson Crim; her brothers, John (Deanna) Grolich and Tim (Lula) Grolich, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jodie was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Beverly Jean Taylor.
Friends are welcome from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Eric Ahlemeyer officiating.
Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Marshall-Starke Development Center, 1901 PIDCO Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Per the family’s request, masks are highly recommended to be worn for all services.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com
