— Ramona Jean (Flora) Smith, 81, Kokomo, died at 3:44 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by the loving warmth of her family. Ramona was born Aug. 10, 1930, in Carroll County, the daughter of Raymond and Lucetta Mae (Kitner) Flora. She was married to Paul Smith by the Rev. Joe Riley on Aug. 5, 1950, in Main Street Christian Church.
During her working life, Ramona was the secretary to Frank Moore, principal of Kokomo High School, for 20 years. She then went on to be the secretary to mayors Stephen Daily and Bob Sargent. After retirement, she also enjoyed wintering in Florida with family and friends.
During her life, she was a member of the School Bells, the Red Hat Society, a past chapter of BW of PEO, and Leadership Kokomo. She also was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and faithfully attended the Fa-Ho-Cha Sunday school class and Hope Circle.
Her hobbies included oil and acrylic painting, and she delighted in restoring old items into something useful and beautiful. She was a collector of boxes and accent tables — many of which she hand-painted — bird houses and lighted ceramic houses. She loved reading mysteries and somewhat more meaningful books. In recent years, she immensely enjoyed reading the Bible and author Max Lucado. Ramona will most be remembered for her ever-present smile and warmth. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by Paul Smith, her husband of 61 years; her eldest son, Jeffrey, and daughter-in-law, Sylvia; and their children, Nathan Smith and Samantha Rich, step-son, Michael Rich; and Samantha’s son, Elijah; son, Michael; and his son, Andrew J. Smith; daughter Julia Wall; and Julia’s children, Ashley Wall and Jacob Wall.
She is also survived by many in her extended family, including sister, Betty Underwood; and her daughter, Cindy Higgins; sister-in-law, Jean Flora; many nieces and nephews and their children; and bother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Sandra White; and their four sons and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Friday at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 700 E. Southway Blvd., with Pastor John Wall officiating. Friends are invited to call from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the church. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Shirley and Stout Funeral Homes and Crematory are assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
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