ELEANOR SMITH

LIMA — Eleanor Jean Kayser Smith, 86, passed on July 8, 2016, at St. Rita's Hospital Hospice Care, Lima, Ohio, after a period of declining health.

She was born March 20, 1930, to the late Bernard J. and Clara Beck Kayser, Sr. Jean was married October 3, 1953 to the late Neville "Nick" Smith.

Jean was of the Catholic faith, and a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima. A graduate of the former St. Rose High School of Lima, Jean enjoyed learning new crafts and was a passionate and talented quilter. She and Nick made many friends during the course of his career as it took them from Ohio to Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. They retired to Hendersonville, NC in 1998, moving back to Lima in 2009.

Survivors include a son Greg (llona) of Hendersonville, North Carolina; daughter Nanette Zanowick (Paul) of Miamisburg, OH; sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Kayser Prince of Lima; and Judy Kayser Moyer (Jim) of Brentwood, TN; grandchildren Blake and Mason Smith and Nicole Zanowick; and two great-grandchildren, Uriah Zanowick and Chloe Smith.

She was preceded in death by: brothers, Bernard J. Kayser, Jr. and C. Edward "Ed" Kayser; three infant daughters, and a grandson, Cpl. Paul W. Zanowick, II.

The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Elmcroft Assisted Living, St. Rita's Hospital 6K Unit and Hospice Care, for the loving care and compassion shown during Jean's final days.

A service/interment will be held at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery in Lima at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Gazebo, with Father Kent Kaufman officiating.

Memorial donations will be welcomed by St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.