Ronald Deane Smith, 77, residing in Granger, Ind., passed away March 10, 2014, at his home.

He was born in Mishawaka, Ind., on Oct. 15, 1936, to Ernest H. and Lucile E. Krumanaker Smith. He had resided in South Bend, Ind., area all of his life. On June 12, 1965, he married Linda L. Granger Smith in Celina, and she survives.

Also surviving are a sister, Dianne Heeter, Mishawaka; a sister-in-law, Nancy Smith of Indianapolis, Ind.; a brother-in-law, John (Beverly) Granger, Celina; a sister-in-law, Gail (Trevor) Wilson, Chardon; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a twin brother, Donald E. Smith.

He was an educator, retiring in 1991 from the South Bend Community School Corporation after 32 years of teaching at Warren and Dickinson junior high and middle schools. He was a 1955 graduate of John Adams High School and a 1959 graduate of Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind. He received a master's degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was a faithful member of Clay United Methodist Church, where he sang in the adult choir. He loved being with his family and friends and was a dedicated educator to many young people.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 21 at Clay United Methodist Church, South Bend, Ind. Burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Memorial contributions may be donated to Clay United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made to the Smith family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.