Eileen Grace Smith, age 74, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Crestline, died Thursday, July 17, 2025 at her home. Her death follows a courageous three-month battle with cancer.
Born November 4, 1950 in Mansfield to Gerald L. and Edna Grace (Doup) Crowner, Eileen was a graduate of Clear Fork High School. On April 8, 1972 she married Virgil E. “Junior” Smith, Jr. and together they celebrated nearly 45 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Her career began at Gorman Rupp in Mansfield prior to taking a position in the dish room at Shelby Memorial Hospital in 1976. It was at Shelby Hospital that she worked her way through various positions in the dietary department before ultimately becoming the Dietary Manager. It was at Shelby that Eileen provided countless meals not only for patients, but for staff and community members, ultimately resulting in many friendships. She retired in 2016 following 40 years of faithful service.
Eileen truly enjoyed being outdoors. She loved gardening and especially enjoyed being at the beach. Always up for a road trip, she never needed a destination- she was happy wherever the wind took her. Although cooking was her career, it also was a hobby as she enjoyed making food for others and sharing. Additionally, Eileen found much peace in reading or doing diamond art- both of which consumed many hours of her life.
Above all else, Eileen absolutely loved her family. She was very involved in anything her grandchildren were a part of from sports to showing animals at the fair. And she absolutely would do anything for anyone. Survivors include her children: Scott Smith of Crestline and Jill (Tobey) Stoffer of Bucyrus; grandchildren: Hayli Stoffer, Sarah Smith, and Tyler Smith; sister: Ann Shirk; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Junior, Eileen was preceded in death by her sister: Linda Crowner; brother: Charles Crowner; brother-in-law: David Shirk; and mother and father-in-law: Annis and Virgil E. Smith, Sr.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2-5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate the services with burial following in Sand Ridge Cemetery, Hanover Township, Ashland County. Memorial contributions may be made to The Pink Ladies of The Galion Owls, 239 Harding Way East, Galion, OH 44833.
Condolences may be made on Eileen’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).