Mary Ann (Rodes) Smith

Mary Ann (Rodes) Smith, 99, of Greensburg made her transition peacefully on August 27, 2024, at Life’s Promise Personal Care Home in Ligonier with family at her side. She was born on May 10, 1925, in Edgewood, PA to Zebulon and Irene J. Rodes.

Mary Ann embraced life with great generosity and creativity. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, PA, and taught art in Sewickley before starting a family with her beloved husband of 67 years, George A. Smith. As a multitalented artist, Mary Ann shared her joy and faith through painting, drawing, scrapbooking, ceramics, and many other media. She was also the published author of poetry and liturgical dramas. As a great helper, she shared her time and talents generously with everyone who knew her.

She was an endlessly bright light to her family and friends and an especially devoted grandmother, always cheering and supporting her grandchildren in their pursuits. Her optimism, wit, and caring spirit will be carried and cherished by all who remember her.

Mary Ann was a longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Greensburg. She served as church librarian, joined the singing and handbell choirs, sewed quilts with the Chat ‘n Sew group, was active in the Women of ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church America), and crafted many of the banners that hang in the sanctuary throughout the year. She was also a member of the Garden Club of Cumberland, MD.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, brothers Rev. Richard Rodes and Nevin Rodes, daughter Audrey E. Snell, and many nieces and nephews. She is survived and remembered by daughter Linda R. Smith of Cumberland and son Gordon A. Smith (Denise Lawson) of Alexandria, VA; son-in-law William G. (Nancy) Snell of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren Kirby A. Snell, Whitney L. Snell(James Parker), and Tyler R. Snell (Anna Jursik), all of Chicago, IL; great-granddaughter Elodie M. Parker of Chicago; and countless other loved ones. 

The family gives thanks for the wonderful caretakers at Life’s Promise Personal Care Home in Ligonier and Suncrest Hospice in Pittsburgh.

A funeral service will be held on October 12, 2024, beginning at 1:30 pm, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:30 pm, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 Fairfield Drive in Greensburg.

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