Maxie Smith — UPDATED
Maxie Earline Sled Smith, 81, Macy passed away at 3:40 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 at Hickory Creek of Rochester.
On Nov. 19, 1935, Maxie was born in Crossett, Ark. to John Wesley and Eva Gene Rowell Sled.
On Oct. 25, 1957, Maxie and Jehu “Smitty” Smith were married. As best friends, they shared 59 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Susan, Lori and Mark. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of six grandchildren and three great-grandsons.
Gifted with her hands, and an accomplished seamstress, Maxie created patterns from newspaper and made clothing for her children to wear for school. More recently, this beautiful woman with a giving heart, crocheted lap blankets and gifted them to Riley Children’s Hospital, hospice and local nursing homes.
To relax, Maxie would masterfully assemble the most intricate jigsaw puzzles, always of more than 1,000 pieces. Prior to the loss of her sight, she was an avid reader, sometimes reading multiple books during the same stint. During the Michael Jordan era, Maxie was passionate about MJ and the Chicago Bulls cheering wildly for them. She was the proud owner of a fine collection of unique antique glassware.
As a traveler, Maxie’s favorite destination was returning home to Arkansas. It wasn’t surprising for her to announce her departure in the morning, jump in the car and head south to visit family and friends. She and Smitty took many fishing trips to the pristine lakes of Minnesota, spending the daylight hours fishing and “camping out,” at night at the nearest Holiday Inn.
Left to cherish Maxie’s memory are two daughters: Susan Szabo, Sarasota, Fla.; Lori Rich, Hammond; a son: Mark Smith and wife Evie, Morrisville, N.C.; six grandchildren: Nicole Rich, Sunny Rich, Tillie Rich, Markus Smith, Morgan Smith, Mathew Smith; three great grandsons: Alex, “Little Bit”, Dylan; a brother, James Sled and wife Betty, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Maxie in death are her parents, beloved husband “Smitty,” on Oct. 25, 2016 and a brother Bobby Sled.
A celebration of the life of Maxie E. Smith will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St, Rochester with Pastor Doug Emberton officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Monday and on hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Plainview Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Macy Christian Church, 190 East Commerce St. Macy, IN 46951.