Published: October 26, 2009 11:51 pm         

Leora Sue Smith

Born to Ethel Godfrey Hinote and William Phillip Hinote, in Hymera, on April 6, 1916. She passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, 2009. Sue lost her mother at age 3 and was raised by her beloved father on the family farm south of Center Point, for the first eight years of her life. Due to work, her daddy had to leave her with her grandmother until he married his "boarding house lady" to give Sue a mother, and moved her to the 12 Points area where she grew up loving Terre Haute as her adopted home. At age 13, the "Sweet Shop Lady" introduced her to the love of her life, R. Hollis Smith. They were married in 1935 and had 61 wonderful years together. Two little orphan children had a wonderful family. First, Jack Evan came along, and they felt blessed. Then eight years later came a little girl, the apple of Daddy’s eye, Nancy Sue. God saw fit years later to bless them again with a baby girl, much to their happiness, Deborah Ann. Five years later, much to their surprise, came Jeffrey Alan, who they adored and vowed to stay young for. This led to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Momma was always so very proud of her beautiful large family. Sue was a proud 50 year member of Center Point Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as worthy matron, and later district deputy of District 8 in 1962. She also was a past president of Clay County Homemakers. She was always active in the community where she and Hollis raised their family on her family farm. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hollis, in 1996; and a beloved stepniece, Janet Myers.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbi and Jim Stout, with whom she made her home after the passing of her husband; her sons and families, Jack and Carolee Smith of Terre Haute, Jeff and Burdona Smith of Brownsburg; and daughter, Susie and Michael Hayes of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Samuel Smith and wife Diane, Loretta Showalter and husband Kurt, Daniel Smith and wife Judi, Holly True and husband Count, Kelly Downey and husband Steve, J.O. Stout and wife Kathy, Adam Stout and Martina, Matt Stout, Aubrey Fearnow and husband Jake, Ben Smith and Susan Smith; great-grandchildren, Ronald Smith and Beth, Amanda Ellis and husband Ramsey, Brittany Showalter and Chad Showalter, Jacob Smith, Michael Smith, Jessica Smith, Haley Chamberlain, Heath Chamberlain, Paige Downey, Parker Stout, and Alexis Stout; great-great-grandchildren, Lauryn Smith, Taylor Smith, and Ava Ellis.

Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Roselawn Memorial Park, 7500 N. Clinton St., with final services at 6 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, flowers or donations to the charity of your choice are accepted.