Obituaries

September 14, 1948 to January 11, 2021

WINAMAC - Christine A. “Chris” Smith, 72, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, at University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago.

She was born Sept. 14, 1948 in Logansport, to the late Dan and Bonnie Brady Rausch. She was married to Robert E. “Bob” Smith for 50 years. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Rita (Thomas) Thurman, Kansas City, MO, Daughter
3 Grandchildren: Kelly, Anya, and Serenity
1 Great-Granddaughter: Raven
Judy (Butch) Fitz, Winamac, Sister
Jeannie Neff, Winamac, Sister
Tony Rausch, Winamac, Brother
Barney (Patti-Jo) Rausch, Winamac, Brother
Evelyn Cramer, Ripley, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Mark Rausch, Brother

Mrs. Smith was an active member of the Pulaski County community. She and her husband enjoyed working, volunteering, and traveling together. She founded the Northern Indiana Power From the Past, Inc. and was instrumental in the creation of the organization’s annual Antique Power Show in Winamac. She was a valued member of the Pulaski County 4-H Fair Board, Pulaski County Historical Society and Pulaski Animal Center. She was an avid supporter of the Alicia Marie Smidler Animal Rescue Fund. There was always a positive project she was working on or a local group she was volunteering with. In 2004, Mrs. Smith was awarded the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Dr. HJ Halleck Community Service Award.

Together, Chris and Bob owned and operated Smith Motors and Smith Auctions in Winamac for 50 years. She enjoyed working with her husband and serving their customers. For many years, she worked alongside her mom and siblings at Bonnie’s Punkins in Winamac creating lifelong memories for local families during the fall season. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially foraging for mushrooms and berries. She also enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening as well as canning. She was a talented cook and baker. She was kind, hardworking, creative, and thrifty. It goes without saying, she was a woman of many talents. Family always came first in her life. There was no such thing as a small get-together; everyone was always invited. Her nieces and nephews were very important to her. Her black labs (all dogs really) always held a special place in her heart, too. She was a loving wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

No services will be held at this time. The family will celebrate Mrs. Smith's life after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America Troop #229, or Northern Indiana Power from the Past, Inc. The donations may be directed to Smith Motors 435 N. Northwest St. Winamac, IN 46996.

Please feel free to share happy memories with the family at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.