Connie L. Smith

Connie L. Smith, age 72, of Ligonier, IN passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

She was born on May 8, 1939 to Ernie & Gladys (DeBolt) Cripe in Whitley County, IN. On September 5, 1958, she married Eldon Smith, he survives. Connie graduated from Ligonier High School in 1957. She co-owned and operated E-T Auto Parts with her husband for over 28 years. She was also a member of Stone’s Hill Community Church.

Connie is survived by her husband, Eldon Smith of Ligonier; 1 daughter, Julie Reed; 2 sons, Dave (Wendy) Smith of Ligonier &Tom Smith of Kendallville; 6 grandchildren, Andrew (Abby) Reed of Ligonier, Bryan (Julie) Reed of Cromwell, Sarah (Joe) Vargas of Fort Wayne, Kate (Jon) Penny of Fairbanks, Alaska, Megan & Shane Smith of Kendallville; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Richard (Lois) Cripe of Fort Wayne, IN & Terry (Sally) Cripe of Syracuse. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons, Jeffrey & Gary Smith; 2 brothers, Ernie Jr. & Jack Cripe.


A funeral service will be held in Mrs. Smith’s honor on Friday, October 14, 2011 at Stone’s Hill Community Church at 10 AM with Pastor Joey Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the church. Memorial contributions are to the Brandon A. Replogle Scholarship Fund- 1599 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767.