Louise Smith, age 94, passed away at her longtime home, the family farm, in Summit Township. She passed just short of four months after Hubert, her husband of 75 years was laid to rest.
Louise was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her large family. She spent much of her life at the Smith Family farm, also known as Smith’s Dairy in Summit Township. Louise was the glue that held her extensive family together. She had a welcome smile to all who visited with her yet was tireless when it came to living. Farm life was busy, and she helped run the dairy. When it came time for haying, she helped make it a family affair. She fed everyone who worked and served the very best sweet tea. Louise was also a long-time, legendary bus driver for Fort LeBoeuf School District – bus 21. All her years driving, she never had one accident. To this day, so many of the community talk about remembering and loving Louise as their bus driver.
Hobbies and social circles were important to Louise. She was an avid bowler alongside her husband Hubert. She played in a couples’ card club with eight other couples for 50 + years. Louise also loved and tended to her large garden.
She had experienced great loss in her life- lost her son David in a farming accident, dealt with a barn fire, and later lost a grandson. Despite these things, she continued to love fiercely and worked to keep the family close. Louise was fiercely stubborn and set in her ways- even later in her years. If someone (mostly Hubert) said something she disagreed with, she would sass them and throw up her fists prepared to give them a knuckle sandwich. That McGahen “tough as nails” side was always present.
As her family grew, she enjoyed the many activities of her children, followed by grandchildren (20), then great grandchildren (29). Her favorite sport was wrestling; however, you might not want to sit too close as she could be a little rough with her match-time demeanor. Whether at a high school wrestling match, baseball/softball field, on a cross country course or running track, volleyball court, gymnastics meet, or hockey rink, she could be found cheering on her family members and cutting their statistics out of the paper. Holidays were also so very important to Louise. She enjoyed hosting the entire extended family at her farmhouse, serving her famous monkey bread, doctored mashed potatoes, and countless other delicious comfort foods – made with love by Grandma Smith.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband Hubert, son David, and grandson Robbie.
She leaves behind her children, Paula (Sam Bayle), Rod (Darlene), Darren, Karen (Dave Heard), and Brian (Jenny). Grandchildren Charlie, Nicki, Kim, and Jesse (Paula), RJ, Rosie, Randy, Rachel, and Rylie (Rod), Darren Jr., Sari, Gunnar (Darren), Krissy, Andy, Matt (Karen), Emma, Abby, Lydia, and Kevin (Brian). The majority of her 29 great-grandchildren were fortunate enough to spend time with Louise at her home – sometimes fishing, sometimes just chatting, enjoying her long-lived sense of humor.
Louise Smith – tough as nails, sweet as honey.
There will be no calling hours. Close family will attend a gravesite service Tuesday morning at 11am at Waterford Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to FLB Athletic Wall of Fame, Greg Deemer, President, 2380 Dorn Road, Waterford, PA 16441, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Karen—Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Your parents were such wonderful people and were always in the hearts of my own parents, Jeanne and Oscar. I will never forget visits to see Hubert and Louise at the farm in Waterford. Wonderful memories that will always bring a smile.
Mrs. Smith was a wonderful person and bus driver. Rode on her bus from middle school through 12th grade. In the winter she would stop at our driveway and pick us up. Condolences to the entire Smith family. Thinking of you Brian and Karen.