Esther Smith

Esther Pauline (Johnson) Smith, 88, of Dover, formerly of Cadiz, died Friday, March 7, 2008 in Dover, Ohio, following a brief illness. She was born July 30, 1919 in Nottingham Twp., Harrison Co., Ohio, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Louella (Rogers) Johnson. She was married to the late Ralph Dwight Smith with whom she spent 64 wonderful years, until his passing in 2000. They stared their married life in Deersville, Ohio and together owned and operated Smith's General Store from 1945 to 1963, when they moved to Cadiz, where they owned Smith's Dog Supply from 1963 to 1975 and Smith's Print Shop and published a national dog magazine from 1975 until finally retiring in 1987. She was loved by everyone who knew her and her precious smile, which drew them to her. She enjoyed playing Scrabble with Edith in the evenings, going to Vickie's for fish on Friday with Sue and Elda and the gang, and just enjoyed having a good time. Esther's greatest love was her family and for many years she daily cared for her son, Dick, who lived at the Carriage Inn Nursing Home in Cadiz, where she came to love the other residents, as well. She was a member of the Deersville United Methodist Church and its Women's Association, and attended church in Deersville and at Scott United Methodist Church in Cadiz. She will be deeply missed by her daughter-in-law, Christina Smith of Dover, with whom she resided; a grandson. Richard Dale (Geri) Smith of Macon, GA; two granddaughters, Judy Lynn Merritt of Woodstock, GA and Lori (Mike) Burkhart of Barnesville; three great grandchildren, Connor Merritt, Kyle and Nichole Burkhart; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Johnson of New Straitsville and Elda Taylor of Cadiz; several nieces and nephews, whom she always mothered; and a host of special friends too numerous to mention. She was appreciated by those who preceded her in death, husband, Ralph Dwight Smith; sons, Ron and Dick Smith; brothers, Harold and Cloyd Johnson; sisters, Marjorie Dennis and Norma Young; brothers-in-law, John Young, Donald Dennis, and Russell Taylor; sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Elsie Johnson; a niece and a nephew. Friends may call Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Clark-Kirkland Funeral Home, Cadiz, where funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Allen Rose and Rev. Richard Hasley officiating. Burial will follow at Patterson Cemetery, Deersville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Deersville United Methodist Church or to Scott United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.clark-kirkland.com

Service

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 2:00 PM
Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home, Inc.
172 South Main Street Cadiz 4390, United States