Wilma G. Shafer

ASHLAND -- Wilma G. Smith, 83, of Ashland, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, at Hospice of North Central Ohio.

She was born on March 25, 1933, in Wayne County, the daughter of John and Mary (Showalter) Shafer. She was a 1951 graduate of Ashland High School and Samaritan Nursing Training Program in 1954. She had been a registered nurse for Samaritan Regional Health System for 16 years and later had been employed with Ashland University in the Student Health Center for 23 years before retiring.

Wilma Smith, 83, Ashland

She had been an active member of First Church of the Brethren, where she had been a deaconess, youth leader and a camp counselor. She enjoyed gardening and helping her husband with their farm. They enjoyed traveling and camping across 45 states, along with visiting many other countries, including China and Russia.

On Sept. 25, 1954, Wilma married David L. Smith, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Mindy (David) Barr of Ashland; grandchildren, Michael (Keeley) Barr of Ashland, and Mallory Barr of Akron; along with a sister, Evelyn Kaufman of Wooster.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; and sons, Mark in 1976 and Matthew in 2012.

Graveside services will be Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. at Ashland County Memorial Park, with pastor Tina Hunt officiating. Burial will follow. Friends may visit with the family Friday, Oct. 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Heyl Funeral Home, Ashland. An online register book is available to express condolences to the family at www.heylfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Wilma's name to First Church of the Brethren, 122 E. 3rd. St., Ashland 44805; or Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland 44805.