Lura Emily “Pat” Thomas Smith (June 17, 1920 – May 14, 2015)

Lura Emily “Pat” Smith

Lura Emily “Pat” Thomas Smith, 94 years, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away May 14, 2015 at Oaks at Northpointe in Zanesville. Daughter of the late Ernest and Lura King Thomas, she was born June 17, 1920, on her parents’ third generation dairy farm, Jersey Mill Rd., Alexandria, Ohio.
Emily so often spoke of happy days growing up in a rural community with her older sister and brother. At age 9 she joined the Alexandria Baptist Church; at age 10 she rode to Niagara Falls in the rumble seat of her Aunt’s 1929 Chevrolet, at age 12 she drove the family car; and in Jr. High went to the “Century of Progress” World’s Fair in Chicago. At age 16 she was asked to enter the National Dairy Queen Contest in Columbus, Ohio. As one of four girls to win the contest, she and the other winners were awarded a week at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel in Columbus. After the Alexandria girls’ basketball team won first place in the county in 1935, she was selected to the all-county team. During growing up years, scholarship was emphasized both at home and school. Emily graduated salutatorian of her class in 1938 and continued at The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics with honorary membership in Scolaris and Omicron in1942.
Emily’s working career started with teaching Home Economics at Utica and being a teacher-trainer for The Ohio State University.
On January 26, 1944, Emily married Wm. Herrold Smith, OSU graduate. They lived in Mansfield, Newark, and Utica before moving to Zanesville in 1964 where he completed 31 years work with the Ohio Power Company.
The Smith family were active members of Grace United Methodist Church and held various church offices. They spent several summer family vacation days as delegates to the Lakeside Conference. Emily was a member of the Shirley Hines Circle. She and Herrold volunteered for many years at Christ’s Table.
She was a life member of Ohio Retired Teachers, Muskingum County RTA, life member of The Ohio State University Association, member of DAR, member of Salvation Army Auxiliary, one of the original members of the Mended Hearts of Zanesville, and original member of the Muskingum Genealogical Society.
She enjoyed time with friends and family, camping, traveling to all parts of our country, rooting for Ohio State, gardening, and reading.
Surviving are her children: Barbara (Thomas) Mercer of Durham, NC; Joy Munson of Newark, OH; and Thomas (Colleen) Donlin-Smith of Penfield, NY; grandchildren Bryan (Nicole) Mercer of Carey, NC; Bethany (Ted) Cammarano of Northbridge, MA; Rebecca (John) Sjostedt of Carver, MA; Sarah (Brian) White of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; David Munson of Tokyo, Japan; Holly and Kathleen Donlin-Smith of Penfield, NY; great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Dylan, and Victoria Mercer, Paul, Jacqueline and Brooke Cammarano, Jonathan and Cadence Sjostedt, and Ellen White; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear nephew and his wife James and Eleanor Castle and their children of Clemson, SC.
In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Herrold,
her sister Ellen Castle, her brother James Thomas, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 516 Shinnick St., Zanesville, OH 43701.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 pm Sunday, May 17, at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, and from 11:00 to 12:00, Monday, May 18, at Grace United Methodist Church 516 Shinnick St., Zanesville. Services will be held at the church at 12:00 Monday, May 18, with the Rev. Steve McGuire officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Alexandria, OH.

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