Barbara J. SmithFORT WAYNE – Barbara J. Smith, 73, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.
Born in Warsaw, Barb was a daughter of the late F. Dean and Martha Decker. Barb graduated from Mentone High School and earned her associate’s degree in accounting from Indiana Business College. She worked for Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and KPMG prior to her owning and operating B. Smith Office Service in 2003. Barb was one to always give her time and effort to others to benefit the community.
She was the past president of the board for Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, founder and past president of the Leo-Cedarville Foundation, member of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and the recipient of 2021 Chairpersons Award. Barb was an instrumental board member and vice president of the NewAllen Alliance, a member of Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne Community Scholarship Selection Committee, a board member of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, a member of Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtable and a member of Leo High School Superintendents Parent Advisory Council. She was a member of the Purdue Extension Community Advisory Board and member of the Allen County Broadband Committee.
In her spare time, she enjoyed dining out, sitting outside and watching the birds and spending time with her family.
Surviving are her husband, Bruce E. Smith; children: Zachary (Melissa) Smith, Amanda Smith; grandchildren: Jaida, Kerrick, Korra, Jensen; siblings: Judy Coplen, Cathy (Paul) Northcutt, Deanna (Jim) Swain and Linda Doran.
The service is at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. Visitation is on Thursday, Nov. 4 at the funeral home from 4 to 9 p.m.
*****
Memorials may be made to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, 1426 W. 300 N., Albion, IN 46701.
