In Memory
JANET C. SMITH Obituary -
JANET C. SMITH, 69, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2016. She was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, born Aug. 21, 1946. She was the daughter of the late F. Paul and Margaret Reynolds. Janet worked as a Lab Tech with Central Soya for 20 years. After retiring she went on to complete her associates degree in Health and Human Services from IVY Tech. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and took every opportunity through her life to learn new things. Surviving are her loving daughter, Margaret "Maggie" (Ware) Wimberly; brother, David (Joan) Reynolds; sister, Christine (Dave) Murphy; and grandchildren Amira and Rebecca. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave., with calling one hour prior. William Wimberly officiating. Memorials may be made to the Fort Wayne Women's Shelter or White's Family and Residential Services in Wabash, Ind - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fortwayne/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=180818439#sthash.G5d4eltE.dpuf
We are grateful to Karen Sue Walker for alerting us to Janet's passing:
" I saw this obituary for Janet Reynolds Smith in the Journal-Gazette last week. I remembered her as a member of our class."
Julie R. Rhinehart (Waterfield)
Jan was in my home room for four years and had a wonderfully sunny personality that I enjoyed every time I saw her! I'm sorry she is gone. Julie Rhinehart Waterfield
Marlene K. Ringenberg (Schultz)
I remember Jan from homeroom also. She wasn't very tall but she packed a lot of sweetness into that small frame. I don't remember any particular conversations but I do remember she had a ready smile.
Marlene Ringenberg Schultz
Phillip S. Waldrop
Jan and her brother Dave lived near my family and as we did, attended South Wyane elementary and South Wayne Baptist Church. I knew Jan, but not well; I hung out some with her brother, to a limited extent. Both were nice. Sad to see people from our class passing - I still feel young, and these notices are not a fun reminder that we no longer are....
Sharon Kay Wright (Miller)
Jan and I met at Harrison Hill before we went to South Side. We were rabid boys basketball fans and I remember standing in the cold and snow (in March!) outside the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum waiting for the doors to open so we could rush in and claim front row seats for the basketball tourney. Jan was fun and sweet. I had hoped to see her at the 50th reunion but I do not think she attended. I have such fond memories of her and the fun times we enjoyed.
Karen Sue Walker
A friend reminded me about something I had forgotten about Jan. She had back surgery while at South Side, and the school had some kind of telephone hookup so she could hear and participate in the class from her home while recuperating. I remember it as a grey box that sat on teacher's desk. She could not only hear the class, but could talk back to us. While this would be so easy to do now, back then it was quite innovative.
Carol A. Rocke
Jan was a good friend throughout our years at South Side as well as an active member of the youth group at South Wayne Baptist. She was full of fun and had a positive attitude, especially during the year she spent in a body cast following surgery. I visited in her home many times during her confinement. If I remember correctly, the dining area at the Reynold's home was turned into "Jan central" outfitted with a hospital bed and all the paraphenalia needed for her to participate in classes. Lots of fond memories of Jan.
Susan K. Smith (Terry)
We've received permission from Janet's daughter Maggie Smith to give Maggie's email address for any of you who would like to contact her with any of your thoughts about Janet. Maggie's email address is.... magsmith75@gmail.com