Sharilyn L. Smith, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Edon, OH on September 2, 1946 to Edward and Madiline (Sutton) Rockey.
Shari graduated from Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, TX in 1964 and moved to Waterloo, IN that same year. She would meet her lifelong love, Ralph E. Smith, at a dance held at Hamilton Lake, IN. They would be united in marriage in Waterloo on October 28, 1966.
Having many roles throughout the years, she owned Smith’s Janitorial for several years and worked at Twin Lake Sports. Shari was known for her knowledge of fishing and the area lakes. If anyone had a question about water quality, what fish were biting, or what bait to use, she knew the answer. There were several occasions over the years that the South Bend Tribune would contact her for her expertise of the area lakes. Before her retirement, she most recently worked at Gilsinger Equipment processing their warranty claims.
Shari will be remembered for her outgoing personality and giving heart. She taught her family the importance of forgiveness; an attribute that they will carry with them forever. Shari was a faithful member of Pretty Lake Trinity Methodist Church.
She loved traveling to Arizona and her favorite place to visit was the Grand Canyon. Their family often took weekend getaways and Shari enjoyed visiting the casino. She also collected baseball cards throughout the years. Her family fondly remembers her love for sledding in the cold Indiana winters.
Shari is survived by her husband, Ralph; children, Eric (Marlene) Smith and Kyle Smith; grandchildren, Ben, Sara, Jacob, Charlie, and Riland; and great-grandchild, Stetson. She is also survived by her brothers, Stan, Gary, and Steve Rockey; along with in-laws, Jean King, Charlene Stahl, Jake Smith, Charles Smith, and Kathy Troyer.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 11AM-1PM at Pretty Lake Trinity Methodist Church, 8985 S State Rd 17, Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 1PM with Retired Pastor Tammy Boggs officiating.
Burial will take place Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Association of Marshall County, PO Box 895, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnosn-danielson.com
