Ann Smitson
May 19, 1933 - May 20,2010
- Visitations:
- May 23, 2010 1-5pm
Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel (GET DIRECTIONS) - Services:
- May 24, 2010 11:00 am
Second Presbyterian Church (GET DIRECTIONS) - Cemetery Location: Washington Cemetery (GET DIRECTIONS)
Ann Marie Smitson passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2010 at the age of 77. After a long illness, she is now joyfully breathing easy in God’s presence. Born May 19,1933 in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of the late John E. Jones and Ladena Foster Jones and grew up in Wilmette, IL, Cicero, IN and Tipton, IN.
Ann is survived by her loyal husband of 55 years, Harrison A. Smitson, Jr., her beloved sons and daughters-in-law, R. David (Ellen), Harrison III (Karyn) and John R. (Laura), and her wonderful grandchildren, Robert (Kaily), Christopher, Mary, Zachary, Casey, Tyler, Gretchen, Eric, Luda and Chad.
Ann graduated from Tipton High School where she was a member of Student Council, the Honor Society and the band (oboe). She was also a drum majorette and cheerleader. Most importantly, it was there she began dating Hal. The two went on to graduate from Purdue University in 1955. Ann earned a B.S./Home Economics degree with honors. She was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was awarded Gold Pepper and Alpha Lambda Delta honoraries. Her many activities included: Debras Staff, Theta Sigma Phi, Omicron Nu, Kappa Delta Pi, V.C. Meredith Club, Associated Women Students, Sportswomen and WAA.
Ann and Hal settled in Norfolk, VA after being married in 1955. Ann was a 6th grade teacher and Hal was stationed in the Navy. After a few years spent in Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH they moved to Columbus, IN where she was mother to the three boys, an elder and deacon at North Christian Church, President of Service League and President of Tri Kappa. Ann was a partner in a catering business and enjoyed golf, tennis, bridge and volunteering at school. The boys were out of the nest when Ann and Hal moved to Indianapolis. This brought new opportunities. A love of art history steered her toward a vocation dear to her heart - serving as a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In Indy, Ann was also a member of PEO and Director of Young Audiences. Ann had a deep love for Culver, IN and the Culver Military Academy & Summer Schools. She and Hal spent every summer at Culver’s Lake Maxinkuckee and were quite generous to include the whole family whenever possible. In later years winters were spent near Carefree, AZ enjoying the sunshine and Arizona beauty.
Ann was a woman of action: a golfer, a world traveler, a tennis player and an adventurer. She rode a mule down the Grand Canyon and also braved a week whitewater rafting on the Colorado River later in life. At home she was a woman of talent: a gourmet cook, an expert seamstress and knitter, a voracious mystery novel reader and a stylish party hostess. She was determined with a flair for the dramatic. Ann was intelligent, creative and generous with her time and gifts. She was caring, funny and family-oriented. Most of all, she was truly loved and will be greatly missed.
Family and friends will gather from 1-5pm Sunday, May 23 at Leppert Mortuary, Nora chapel. A funeral service for Ann will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis on Monday, May 24 at 11am.
You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Ann or sign the guest book and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Culver Educational Foundation or Second Presbyterian