COLUMBUS
On Saturday, June 22, 2024 Stephanie Sue Smith King, a beloved mother, sister, friend and cousin entered into Heaven. She was seventy-seven. Born in 1946 to Buford and Marguerite Dirr Smith in Garrett, Indiana, she was a proud 1964 graduate of Garrett High School. She then married and raised her four children in Fort Wayne, Indiana, before moving to Columbus, Indiana in 2006.
Known for her social nature and her knack for organizing and decorating, Stephanie was active in her church and community. She often volunteered and was always up for a girls’ trip, usually involving shopping for baskets, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Stephanie loved maps, traveling and experiencing different cultures. Mackinac Island was a favorite destination. She was a faithful friend, continuing to host sleepovers with cousins and former classmates into her retired years. She was a devoted relative, visiting and caring for aging family members. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother, always only a call away and willing to drive hours to assist when summoned, full of stories, energy and encouragement.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Aaron D Smith. She is survived by her sister, Melanie (David) Steiner, her four children Kristi (Cary) Guse, Karianne (Terry) McKinney, Kelli (Scott) Bartkus, and Kevin (Andrea) King, and her eight grandchildren Jacob and Jenna Guse, London and Cashdon McKinney, Lexus and Lilly Bartkus, and Kolton and Kaedon King.
Visitation will be held at Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett, Indiana, on Friday, June 28 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. with the funeral following at 1 p.m. with Rev. William Haworth officiating.
Burial will take place in Christian Union Cemetery – Garrett, IN.
Donations made in her memory will be forwarded to Wounded Warrior Project, a favorite charity of hers.
