Thelma F Smith

Thelma F. (Coleman) Smith of Altoona died peacefully and quietly in her sleep Sunday, Christmas morning, in the same house in which she was born 92 years ago. She was the youngest of four children born to Chester H. and Agnes (Bowman) Coleman of Coleman Farm, a Pennsylvania Century Farm. Thelma's husband of over 71 years, Earle Emory Smith, preceded her in death in October 2010. Together they raised six children: Nancy Ann (Smith) Chriske and husband, Thomas, of Indian Land, S.C., Earl Allen Smith and wife, Brenda, of Pierson, Fla., twins Susan (Smith) Alles and husband, John, of Townsend, Del., and Sally (Smith) Murray and husband, Galen, of Altoona and Mesa, Ariz., Mondon Hugh Smith of Altoona and Thomas Coleman Smith and wife, Linda, of Mentor, Ohio. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Thelma had always been a farmer, taking over for her father upon his death in 1954. She managed the farm, including her beloved barn and vineyard, until the very end and worked part-time for many years at the local greenhouse, formerly L.S. Peterman. She was a methodical hard worker. One of her favorite pastimes was mowing the grass on her favorite John Deere tractor. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Juniata, and a fond supporter of the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society. There will be no service per Thelma's final request. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata (www.maukandyates.com).