Beverly JoAnn Smith, 80, became an Angel in Heaven at 11:21 pm, April 13, 2012 in Golden Living Center-Fountainview of Mishawaka, surrounded by family. She was born on December 25, 1931 in Decatur, IN, the daughter of the late Herbert and Mary (Johnson) Closson. On March 29, 1949, she married Robert Joseph Smith. She is preceded in death by husband Robert, who passed April 9, 2006, grandson Jeffery Cygert, son-in-law Joseph Newgent, sisters Sharon King, Marilyn Botos, and Nancy Closson, and brothers Jim, Bob, Bill and Dick Closson.
Beverly is survived by two daughters Patricia Newgent of Mishawaka, Brenda (Harlan) Ruthruff of Mishawaka; four grandchildren, Travis (Lori) Ruthruff of Mishawaka, Troy (Jennifer) Ruthruff of Trinity FL, Jill Cygert of New Carlisle and Tracy (Rick) Jackowich of Elkhart. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Stephanie, Shad, Andrea, Alyssa, Trey, Maygen, Shayla, Drake and Dylan.
She was a lifelong resident of South Bend, working at Wyman''s & Air-Way Target. A longtime member of the Women''s International Bowling Congress (WIBC), she was a Certified Coach for Junior Bowlers at Regal Lanes. Her passions were Notre Dame Football on Saturdays & NASCAR on Sundays. Her greatest happiness was watching her grandchildren & great grandchildren growing up through all of their sport and school activities.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 19, 2012 in the funeral home with burial to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.