Bernice E. Smith, 88, of 14248 Kohler Road in Wapakoneta, OH died 4:45 p.m. Friday December 5, 2008 at the Gardens of Celina.

She was born May 31, 1920 in New Knoxville, OH to Urban and Loretta (Piepmeyer) Stienecker.

On May 19, 1938, she married John O. Smith, who died March 28, 1997.

She is survived by:

son, Sidney P. (Mary) Smith of Celina, OH

son, Jerry (Nelly) Smith of Wapakoneta, OH

3 grandchildren: Peter (Lisa) Smith, Preston (Marcia) Smith, Patti (Dennis) . Boshears

5 great-grandchildren: Zachary & Jacob Smith,; Payton, Sydni & William . Boshears

sister, Eunice Kohlreiser of St.Marys, OH

sister, Grace (Francis) Carmean of St.Marys, OH,

brother, Nathan (Georgia Ann) Stienecker of Wapakoneta, OH

sister-in-law, Eileen Stienecker of St.Marys, OH

sister -in-law, Joyce Stienecker of New Knoxville, OH

sister-in-law, Rachel Stienecker of St.Marys, OH

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers: Roland Stienecker, Robert Stienecker, Vernon . Stienecker, Merlin Stienecker; sisters: Edith Rosengarten, Viola Steinecker, Mildred Stienecker

She was a1938 graduate of New Knoxville High School.

She was a homemaker and had worked at Brodbeck’s grocery.

She was a member of the St.Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting and gardening. She was also a meticulous housekeeper, spending countless hours maintaining her surroundings.

Services are scheduled 10:00 a.m. Wednesday December 10, 2008 at the Miller Funeral Home (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St.Marys, with the Rev. Elaine Mikesell, officiating. Burial will follow at the Loramie Valley Cemetery, near Botkins, OH.

Visitation for family and friends will be held 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to either the church or State of the Heart hospice program.