Janice Ruth Smith, 85, passed away surrounded by her family on August 17, 2024 at River Valley Nursing Home in Butler, Kentucky. She was born in Corbin, Kentucky on December 15, 1938 to the late Walter and Retha Sharp Hood.
Janice married Paul Smith on August 10, 1957 and thus continued a legacy with 5 generations of family who loved them.
In addition to her parents, Janice is preceded in death by her husband Paul Smith and her siblings Patricia Harmon, Billie Mackey, Donald Hood, and Hubert “Ronnie” Hood .
Janice attended Second Twelve Mile Baptist Church and enjoyed many cruises with her husband, grandchildren, and family. Over the years she held jobs as a telephone switchboard operator and at 5/3 bank. However the job she loved the most was sharing her love, spunky nature, and stories while babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her siblings Barbara (Milford) Cook, Wanda (Jim) Bowman, and Michael (Bambi) Hood. Children Paula (Donnie) Thornton and Keith (Jana) Smith. Grandchildren Natasha (Justin) Rice, Tabatha (Eric) Biddle, Kristen (Nick) Kaliin, and Jonah (Alysia) Smith. Great-grandchildren Ashleigh (Jason) Wright, Allison Rice, Shelby (Tyler) Teehee, Rylan Rhoton, Kayda Rhoton, Caleb Biddle, Micah Biddle, Elias Biddle, Marlee Kaliin, Rylen Kaliin, and Rori Kaliin. One great- great-granddaughter Riley Wright. As well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 23rd at Second Twelve Mile Baptist Church with friends and family visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. and Memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. Many years ago Janice made the decision to have her body donated to U.C. Hospital for medical research in hopes of furthering the understanding and knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Janice’s final resting place will be at Peach Grove Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Second Twelve Mile Baptist Church WMU at 5793 KY HWY 154, Butler, KY 41006.
Peoples Funeral Home is caring for the family.