Wauneta Smith, 94

Wauneta M. (Wyse) Smith, age 94, lifetime resident of the Wauseon area, passed away Friday morning, July 18, 2014 at Fulton Manor in Wauseon. Wauneta, along with her husband, Paul W. Smith, founded Smith’s Family Restaurant, near Wauseon, in 1966.

Wauneta was born in Fulton County, Ohio on December 23, 1919, the daughter of Ray and Florence (Patterson) Wyse. On September 22, 1938 she married Paul W. Smith, and he preceded her in death in 1982. She was a member of the Tedrow United Methodist Church, where she had played piano for many years. She enjoyed helping on the farm and gardening. She also loved cooking and baking.

Surviving is her daughter, Sandra (Joe) Rychener of Pettisville; three sons, Gene (Shirley) Smith of Wauseon, Bill Smith of Camden, Michigan and Larry (Jill) Smith of Wauseon. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and brother, Robert L. Wyse of Wauseon. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one grandson, Lee Allen Smith.

Visitation for Wauneta will be held from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Monday, July 21, 2014 at the Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon, where the funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor Charles Gautsche, officiating. Interment will follow in the Tedrow Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Tedrow United Methodist Church.