Frances Smith

Mary “Frances” Smith, 85 of Norwich, passed away on July 10, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at Genesis Hospital in Zanesville. She was a devoted soul, who now rests peacefully in the arms of our Lord.
Frances was born June 17, 1940, in Gay West Virginia, daughter of the late William Zueinglass Baker and Sarah Eleanor (Archer) Baker.
She was a graduate of New Concord High School class of 1959 and later dedicated her working years as a bookkeeper of their family business. Frances attended College Drive Presbyterian Church and was a cherished lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Stars Guernsey Chapter 211, finding solace and fellowship within the community. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and in which, Frances found great joy in her Bible studies and her unwavering love for Jesus Christ. In her younger years she was a 4H advisor and a Church youth leader for several years. One of her life’s pleasures was being involved in the White Cross Ministry with her husband, spreading the word of God.
Frances enjoyed hanging out with the John Glenn “gang” cheering on the Little Muskie’s football and basketball teams. She had a passion for capturing moments through her camera lens, especially when photographing school athletes. She would compile these snapshots into scrapbooks and give them to the kids. In her spare time, she enjoyed looking up family genealogy, playing the Vita Mahjong tile game, and watching women’s college basketball; but above all, she loved spending time with family and loved ones.
She wished to be remembered as a God-fearing woman who lived her life in the image of Christ.
Frances is survived by her 4 daughters: Veronica (Jeff) Ghelerter, Valerie (Curtis)Turner, Vonda (Andy) Tavenner and Victoria (Jim) Kinnan.
Grandkids: Melissa (Mike) Keller, Jimmy (Jena) Caldwell, Tony Caldwell, Cory (Debra) Caldwell, Cameron Turner, Chad (Hannah) Tavenner, Jordan (Tori) Tavenner, Abbey & Katie Ghelerter.
Great grandkids: Talon Batista, Deegan Batista, Malachi Keller, Micah Keller, Harper Tavenner, Riley Tavenner, CJ Tavenner, Ryan Caldwell, Mia Caldwell, Zoey Caldwell. Sisters: Peggy Cunningham, Marjorie Davis and brother Dan Baker, brother-in-law, Andy (Sally) Smith Jr. and special family friends Maxine Krampholz, Sam Wells, Sandy Alexander, Phyllis Wycoff, Drew Dinan, Jane Wilson, Charlie Burwell , Diane & Wayne Burwell, several cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years Paul “PG” Smith; and sister Phyllis Watson, nephews Chris Smith, Butch Wheeler and niece Brenda Nethers.
The Smith family would like to thank Genesis CCU staff for their care and support for the 16 days our mother was in your care.
In honor of Frances, make checks payable to N.C./J.G.H.S. Alumni association mail to : George St. Clair 110 E Main St. New concord, Ohio 43762.
Frances participated in the anatomical Gift Program at Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University for research. A celebration of life will be on Saturday September 13, 2025, at the College Drive Presbyterian Church in New Concord at 11:00 AM with Pastor Keith Taylor officiating.
To sign the online guestbook please visit www.delongbakerlanning.com