M. Evelyn Smith

M. Evelyn Smith, age 90, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 31, 2010, in the care of her beloved husband, son and daughter-in-law in their home, following a period of declining health. Born at New Philadelphia, October 8, 1919, she was a daughter of the late Stewart Roy and Mary Virginia Hockenberry Parson. Evelyn was a 1937 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, and went on to become the very first full-time secretary at the High School. She was always proud to have served as secretary to the famed Woody Hayes, typing his scouting reports and playbook. Over the next twenty years, Evelyn’s role within the school grew, as she took on duties as an attendance officer for both the Junior and Senior High School. She retired as the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. A familiar face throughout New Philadelphia, Evelyn was affiliated with the former Smith Hatchery, Daniels Dress Shop, and Woolworths Department Store. Until recently, she still gathered monthly with her former colleagues from Woolworths. Active in her church, Evelyn served as president of her Martin Luther Sunday School Class at Emmanuel Lutheran Church for many years. She’ll be remembered for her stylish hat collection which always set off the perfect outfit for a special occasion. Evelyn was a member of AARP, the School Employees Retirement Organization, and was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Disabled American Veteran’s.She’ll be sadly missed by her friends who were recipients of one of hundreds of greeting cards that she would send annually. Many friends came to rely on Evelyn’s message “remember to renew your driver’s license” demonstrating her classic care and attention that she was known to shower upon all whom she knew. Survivors include her faithful husband of sixty-eight years, Joe Smith, of New Philadelphia. The couple wed May 23, 1941 and together reared one son; Chris (wife, Marsha Bechtel) Smith, also of New Philadelphia. A grandson, Jason (wife, Jaime) Smith of Brewster, and a granddaughter; Krisha (husband Steve) Schupp of Gnadenhutten, also survive. Two great-grandchildren; Makayla and Hannah Smith, a sister; Katheryn Finzer of New Philadelphia, and a brother; Jack E. (wife, Renee) Parson, of Clayton, North Carolina, complete the family. In addition to her parents, Evelyn is preceded in death by her brother; Kenneth Parson, and her brother-in-law; Floyd Finzer. Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 2-4 and from 6-8 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory where Evelyn left specific instructions to serve her signature French Mints which she was known to share with family and guests alike. Lutheran Church Council services will begin at 7:40.The Rev. Stephen Patrick will lead Evelyn’s funeral service Thursday at 10:30 in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park, with members of the church hosting a reception in the church fellowship hall following the committal service. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by signing the online guest registry.(but you won’t get any of Evelyn’s French Mints!)Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.