Esther Smith

Esther Geise Smith, age 96, formerly of Dayton passed away January 6, 2014 at Surrey Place, Bradenton Florida. Born February 10, 1917 to Henry and Elizabeth (Gier) Geise in Ft. Loramie, Ohio. She married Delbert (Smitty) Smith in April, 1937 in Celina Ohio. She lived most of her adult life in Dayton, retiring from Delco Moraine after 24 years. She and Delbert had a second home on Seminole Island, Indian Lake, and wintered at Ponderosa Park in Kissimmee, FL in their retirement.

Esther is survived by her daughter Patricia Fecher, 3 grandchildren: Jackie (Dennis) Shumway of Holt, MI, Renee (Tim) Crossman (Constanta, Romania), and Gary (Peggy) Fecher (St. Petersburg, FL); Great grandchildren John and Nicki Shumway; Gabriel (Maria), Marianne, Rebecca, Eva, Nathaniel, and Bryan Crossman; Great-Great Grandchildren Bruce, Roy, Kaleigh, Conor and Adrian Crossman; sisters-in-law Evelyn Geise and Butch Geise of Coldwater; brothers-in-law Paul Smith of Beavercreek, and Wilbur Thobe of Maria Stein, numerous nieces and nephews.

Esther was proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years Delbert, sisters Loretta Schulze, Martha Thobe, Mildred Kinniger, Viola Sitzman, brothers Alfred, Arthur, Robert, Elmer, and Charles Geise, step-sisters Mary Jane and Josie Knapke.

The family will receive family and friends from 4 - 8 PM Monday, January 27, 2014 and Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM at Newcomer Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 11 AM at Ascension Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The family also wishes to thank Esther's many wonderful caregivers over the last 3 1/2 years at Surrey Place in Bradenton.

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