Mary Jane (Baker) Smith

Fort Wayne – Mary Jane Smith, 79 died Thursday October 3, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born in Auburn on September 13, 1940 to Roy L and Violet E (May) Baker. She was a 1958 graduate of Riverdale High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Ball State University. She was a Teacher and Speech Therapist at various School Systems in the area. She also owned and operated MJ’s Bookmark Bookstore in Auburn. Mary Jane was a very active and faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne. She belonged to the John Houlton Chapter of DAR, a member of the Ladies Literary Club, the Kenwigs Book Club and a member and former president of the DeKalb County Retired Teachers Association. She was a 10 year DeKalb County 4 H member and ardent supporter of her children and grandchildren in Allen County 4 H. She was very proud of her family heritage and involvement in the family farm with one of her farms given Century Farm Distinction in 2002. In her retirement she enjoyed traveling especially her visits to Presidential Libraries. Surviving are her son and daughter and their spouses, James W and Kimberly Smith II of Grabill and Elizabeth A and David Chmiel of Fort Wayne; 5 grandchildren, Shelby Smith, Toby Smith, Johnathan Smith, Alexander Chmiel and Zoe Chmiel; a step granddaughter Vanessa Watkins and a step great grandson, Jonathan Sven Watkins. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother in infancy John Calvin Baker. Services will be 11 am Tuesday October 8, 2019 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 7715 Sunny Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46835 with Pastor Larry Maddox officiating. Burial will follow the service in Riverside Cemetery in St. Joe. Calling is 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Monday at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn, IN. Additional calling will be 1 hour prior to the service Tuesday from 10 to 11 AM at the church. Preferred memorials are to the church or Allen County 4H. To send condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com.