Martha Smith

Martha Alice (Weatherford) Smith, 87, of Mishawaka, IN passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:20 AM at the (Elkhart) Center for Hospice Care after a brief illness.

Some knew her as  “Martha,”   but she was better known as “Smitty,”  “Marthalice,”  “Marshy” or most of all  “Mama Smith,” not only by her family but by many others as well.

Martha was born in Newport, Arkansas to the late Dorse and Effie Weatherford on August 15, 1923.  At the age of 16, she met the love of her life, Ralph R. Smith, who was four years older.  On April 26, 1941 when Martha was 17, they secretly eloped.  She and Ralph did not reveal the marriage to their families until the postman shared the news with Martha’s mom!  In 1952 Ralph and Martha moved to Mishawaka, IN.

Ralph and “Marshy” (as he called her) cherished one another and had a blissful marriage for 64 years.   Often seen holding hands, their love and respect for each other will forever be etched in the minds of all who knew them.  Ralph and Marshy have left a wonderful legacy behind of what a Godly marriage looks like.

As Ralph’s health deteriorated, Marshy lovingly cared for and comforted him.   After a lengthy illness, her beloved Ralph passed away on December 31, 2005, leaving Marshy and the family heartbroken.   As usual, Marshy kept busy doing what needed to be done with the strength and stability she had come to be known for.

Ralph and Martha had four children, Doris A. (Dennis) Drake of South Bend who survives, and three deceased children, Mary Alice Smith, infant Joan Leslie Smith and Ralph J.  whom Martha cared for daily after a 1999 motorcycle accident left him unable to care for himself.  He passed away in 2010.  Also preceding Martha in death were sisters Dorothy, Johnie and Jewel.

Family members left to cherish Mama Smith’s memory are daughter Doris and husband Dennis;   sister, Claudean Clayton of Memphis, TN; three very special grandchildren, Leslie A. Mick of Mishawaka, Debi Sue (Morris) Boroff of Norwalk, OH and Joel  (Melissa) Smith of Florida, and several  treasured  great-grandchildren  including Makenzie Ann  and Morgan Elaine Mick of Mishawaka and Josh and Sean Boroff of Norwalk, OH.

Martha was known as a very hard worker.  “Smitty”  worked at the former St. Joseph Hospital of Mishawaka for over  23 years as an Orthopedic Tech in the Emergency Room.  She became well known and loved among hospital staff,  physicians and patients.    At the age of 70, after she and Ralph retired, they both went to work at Gustafon R B Company,  where she worked for 14 years until being laid off at the age of 84!  After the loss of her husband and son, she then returned to work at the Meijer store on Grape Rd., passing out free samples of food products.  She worked there  for a year  until the time of her death.

Martha was also known as “the walker”.    Up until very recently, she walked 10-15 miles each and every day, weather permitting.   She was very well known for her cooking,  baking and giving of her delicious foods to friends and family.   She was especially known for her Carrot Cake recipe. 

To know “Mama Smith” was to love her and be loved.  Once you knew her, you were family.   She knew no stranger.  She loved unconditionally. There was no limit to what she would do for others, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mama Smith loved her family beyond words and each day of her life was not complete without talking with or spending time with any number of them. Her legacy will continue because she has taught each of us well through her love and daily example.  

Martha attended Hillside Missionary Church, South Bend where she actively participated in and greatly enjoyed her ABF group.   Martha held sacred her relationship with the Lord, her assurance of an eternity in Heaven and her desire to see her family and friends share in this hope.  Rev. Ken Fetter, Martha’s dear friend, spiritual advisor and pastor, worded it well by saying, “Martha will be remembered as a woman with a servant’s heart.”   Two favorite passages of scripture for Martha were Psalm 23 and Hebrews 13:5b-6a, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.  So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”  She was not fearful, but relied upon this promise.   Martha…Smitty….Mama Smith….whatever name you knew her by, has left a wonderful legacy for all of us to cherish.

Mama Smith’s family is deeply moved and appreciative of everyone who cared for her.  They especially want to thank the nurses and care givers working in PCU at SJRMC and at the Center for Hospice Care of Elkhart.  The care, love and support shown to Mama Smith and the family were so needed and appreciated beyond words.

Visitation will be held at the Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.  Martha’s memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday February 24, 2011 at Hillside Missionary Church, 21567 W. Ireland Rd., South Bend with Rev. Kenneth Fetter officiating.  There will be a private graveside service prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hillside Missionary Church, South Bend or to Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. 
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