Ella Maxine Smith

Ella Maxine Smith of Plymouth passed away on January 9, 2025. She was born in Marshall County, Indiana to Seymour and Ellen (Frette) Stull on November 23, 1924 and lived in the South Bend-Plymouth area all of her life.

Ella was a graduate of Tyner High School, Tyner, Indiana and Michiana Business College, South Bend. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bethel College and Master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. She was a retired Language Arts and Business teacher from LaVille High School and a member of Indiana State Teachers’ Association.

On September 8, 1945, she was united in marriage to Earl D. Smith who passed away October 31, 2021. They enjoyed hosting numerous family celebrations and loved attending their children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

As a member of the Teegarden Methodist Church she taught Sunday School classes, served as church treasurer for many years and was active in the Women’s Missionary Society. More recently, she attended Pine Creek Church of the Brethren.

She enjoyed working in the family business and traveling with her husband and the family. She was an avid reader and served on the local election board for many years.

She is survived by her son, Don (Lori) Smith of Plymouth; her daughter-in-law Diane Smith of Rensselaer; her grandchildren, Kelly (Michael) Gabauer, Cassie Peck, Kevin Smith, Kimberly (Aaron) Brenneman, Kevin (Nicole) Allen, Andrew (Halei) Smith, Brock Smith, and Madison Smith; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Gloria Plath; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Seymour and Ellen; husband, Earl; son, James Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and David Sekirka; sisters, Vera Ullery, Violet Bella, Margaret McGrogan, Jean Call; and brother, Wesley Hogan.

A graveside service will be held at 2PM on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Morris Cemetery in Plymouth, Indiana with Pastor Nathan Rosentrater officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to Pine Creek Church, 25075 Stanton Rd, North Liberty, IN 46554 or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3848 Frontage Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360.