Margaret G. (Fortner) Smith

On Monday, February 5, 2018, Margaret G. Smith, 95, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 20, 1922 in Pores Knob, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina the daughter of James and Mattie Henderson Fortner.

During a train ride with family in June of 1947, a chance meeting occurred with Margaret being introduced to a soldier in a seat across the aisle.  After corresponding with each other, then visits to her family, Margaret and Homer Edward Smith were united in marriage on Christmas Eve that same year in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  The family would later return to his hometown of Newton Falls.

Margaret would become very active in her new community.  She was involved in various patriotic and civic organizations.  Over the years, Margaret was a Precinct Committee Person and was a poll worker for over 40 years.  As a 54 year member of the American Legion Post 236 Ladies Auxiliary, she was very involved and was a past president of the Post.  On National Poppy Day, she could always be counted on to participate in the sales.

Pastimes with friends included league bowling with the Posie Patch team and creating crafts with the Hobby Hunters Club of which she was also a past president. With friends, Margaret traveled to various states for bingo and casino trips. She was also a faithful fan of both the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians.   Margaret enjoyed the companionship of her dogs, Zoey and Tanner.

Margaret was always planning for the future, had determination to always finish a project and was willing to try new things.

Margaret was very giving and a great mother and grandmother.  The kitchen was truly the heart of the home.  Over the years, Margaret would be found canning, making jellies and jams, teaching her children and grandchildren how to make pies and cookies and making the best potato salad around.  A century old family recipe for South Dakota Cookies was a favorite for all.  Margaret had won many blue ribbons at the Canfield Fair for her pies and apple butter. 

Her legacy is with her loving family, her children James (Carolyn) Smith, Daniel (Candace) Smith and Linda Neiheisel; her adored grandchildren, David (Debra) Smith, Christina (Mathew) Weinreber, James (Melanie) Smith, Stephanie (Brett) Taylor, Dan (Amy) Smith, Shawn (Jennifer) Smith, Laura Neiheisel and Matthew Neiheisel; her great grandchildren;  Kelsi, Tyler, Emily, Ashley, Grace, Austin, Logan, Morgan, Brendan, Madison, Mason, Ella, Gwyneth, Cassey, James (Harlee), Zachary (Lisa), Melanie, McKenna, Alia, Brody, Savanna, Gabriella, Brady, Chloe, Brooklyn and Natalie; her great-great grandchildren, Lisa, Harper, Lucas, Cooper, Leonardo and her many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Margaret were her parents, her husband, Homer and her siblings, John, Woodrow, Ernest, Austin, Gladys and Dollie. 

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff on the 4th floor of St. Joseph Health Center and to Dr. John Baker and Dr. Chakri Yarlagadda.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the General Assembly of God Church (2021 E River Road) in Newton Falls.  A service will follow with Pastor B. Glen Rader officiating.

Interment will be in the Newton Township Cemetery.

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