Tuesday, May 28th, 2013
Gertrude Smelser
Gertrude Celina Smelser, 98, Celina, died at 12:21 p.m. May 24, 2013, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.
She was born Jan. 3, 1915, in Celina, to Wilbert Urva and Bessie Ester Beougher Conner. She married Raymond Smelser, who died Nov. 30, 1995.
Surviving are a son, Ronald (Barb) Smelser of Charlotte, N.C., a son-in-law, James Snyder of Defiance, and six grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Connie Sue Snyder, and a sister, Ruth Howell.
Gertrude was the first infant born in Mercer County in 1915.
She was a seamstress at Pogue Clothing and a homemaker. She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Celina, and graduated from Celina High School in 1933. She was a Sunday school teacher and an officer in The United Methodist Women Willing Workers
Funeral services are 1 p.m. Thursday at Bethany United, the Rev. Jon Exman officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery.
Calling is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorials may be given to Bethany United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be left at www.ciscofuneralhome.com.
