Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Melba Jane Smith, age 86, of North Manchester, died on Oct. 12, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.
She was born on Sept. 13, 1940, in Rochester, to Olson M. Morris and Frieda Bernice Hatfield Morris. She graduated from Gilead High School in 1961.
Melba married Jack R. Smith on Jan. 16, 1970, at the Nazarene Church in North Manchester.
She worked at Wagners and U.T. for 28-1/2 years and then at Dekko Damas in Wabash. She attended the Omega Church of God, Akron, and the Gilead Crossroad Baptist Church in Gilead.
Melba was a devoted Christian and served in many ways. She was a volunteer at Scout Hall and served lunches to senior citizens. She drove many people to their doctor's appointments and other destinations who needed a ride. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and played the piano at the Gilead church. She loved her dogs and they were very special to her. She had her own little card ministry. She sent many cards to the sick, holidays and other special occasions.
Surviving Melba are stepsons, Steven Duane (spouse Christy) Smith, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Eugene Carl Smith; several cousins; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Preceding Melba in death are her parents; husband, Jack Smith (1993); brother, Teddy Joe Morris; stepsister and husband, Doris and Lynn Barr; and stepfather, Milton Webb.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 16 from 10 to noon at the Earl-Love Funeral Home followed by the service officiated by Pastor Thad Stewart with burial in the Akron IOOF Cemetery, Akron.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gilead Crossroad Baptist Church.
The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Melba Jane Smith.
Online condolences may be sent to earlovefuneralhome.com.
