Verna Mae Smith

Verna "Mae" Espenschied Smith, 88 of Dover died on Friday, December 31, 2010.

Born on January 14, 1922 in Dover, she was the eldest daughter of the late William and Goldie Rummel Espenschied.

Verna was a Clerk at the former Montgomery Ward's in Dover and she also worked for the Great Plains Bag Factory in New Philadelphia.

She was a very proud member of the community and served as the past president of the Women's Moose in Dover. She was also very proud of her heritage as a direct decedent of John Knisely, who was the founder of New Philadelphia.

When she was well, she enjoyed spending time at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center playing bingo and square dancing. She also loved crocheting, fishing and was a very talented gardener. Most of all, she loved the time that she spent with her family.

She will be sadly missed by her five children; Charles Smith (Companion, Kathy Fleishour) of Carrollton, Robert (wife, Darlene) Smith of Dover, Gloria Blackwell of New Philadelphia, Susan (husband, Jim) Carroll of Ellijay, Georgia, and Melanie (husband, Dwayne) Adkins of Dover; six sisters; three brothers; 18 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and she was expecting a great-great granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by her son in-law; Steve Blackwell, along with one sister and one brother.

In honoring Mae's wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. A memorial service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 6:00 pm with Deacon Mel Anderson of the First Baptist Church in Dover officiating. Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4-6pm. Following the service, a meal will be served at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Mae may do so by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, 425 Prospect St, Dover, Ohio 44622.

Toland-Herzig-Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com