Barbara Smith

Barbara Lee Smith, 77, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 3:58 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2015 surrounded by her family at Zusman Hospice House in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on May 14, 1938, in Anna, Ohio to the late Robert F. and Isabelle (Deer) Cotterman. She was also preceded in death by her brother Richard Cotterman and a nephew Mark Cotterman.

On March 15, 1957 Barb married Robert Lee Smith, and he survives along with their daughters; Carol (Mike) Delgrosso of Canal Winchester and Karen (Kenny) Mitchell of Lithopolis; three granddaughters; Audrey (Dave) Gauthier, Erin (Glen) Henson and Maggie Mitchell. She also loved her new great granddaughter Karalin Gauthier, who brought much joy to her life in her final months. Also surviving are her sister, Patricia Koetter of Sidney; a brother, Marvin (Janice) Cotterman of DeGraff; and special nieces and nephews, Elaine Stockstill, Ann Burling, Vicki Koetter, Collette Lewis, Betsy Moffett, Lorrie Davis, Steven Cotterman, John Cotterman, Matthew Cotterman, Ronald Parker, Tim Parker, Bobby Minnich, Bill Minnich, Joe Minnich and Doug Minnich. Barb rescued a special cat named Precious who survives with one eye.

Barb graduated from Sidney High School in 1956 and worked at Merchants Industries in Bellefontaine, where she met her husband Bob. She worked at Southeastern Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, organized their first library and served as librarian for over 20 years, retiring in 2000. She enjoyed reading to kids and was a great story teller. She was a brownie leader and reading mentor for elementary students. She and Bob volunteered for Big Brothers. She loved her card club, bowling and looked forward to their meetings even when she could not walk or talk very well. Special friends will very much be missed; Ginger Beasley, Diane Scott, Jean Griffith, Joan Smith, Carol Smith, Eileen Smith-Davidson, Sherrill Runkle, Peg Pittman, Jane Stryzalka and Judy Cooper.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Bellefontaine.

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