Rosemary "Rosie" Smith

Rosemary “Rosie” Smith, age 84, of Eaton, OH and formerly of Indianapolis and French Lick, IN, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and those that loved her.

Born on August 6, 1941 in French Lick to the late Charles Wesley and Louisa (Clark) Daugherty, Rosemary graduated from Springs Valley High School. She later retired as an Executive Secretary from Indiana Bell, but her proudest role was always being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

To her family, she was lovingly known by many names: She was “Granny” to Lindsay, Ridge, Asa, Tripp, and Mack; “Grandma” to Chris; and “Gigi” to her great-grandchildren Carlee and Mateo. These names carried not just affection, but a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories that will be treasured for generations. Her smile was contagious, and her heart was felt by everyone she met.

Rosie lived life with simple joys that brought her great happiness: shopping department stores and flea markets, drinking coffee while watching her Soaps, lunching with her “old lady friends,” and reminiscing about her childhood in French Lick. She adored Hallmark Christmas movies any time of the year, especially when she could curl up in the “cliner” with her great-granddaughter Carlee. She treasured Dairy Queen lunches with her daughter Kathi and made unforgettable memories traveling.

She was strong—much stronger than she ever gave herself credit for—and her family will forever admire her resilience.

Rosie is survived by her daughter Kathi (Carl) Petelle of West Alexandria; son Daniel Smith (Lori Brailey) of Muncie, IN; grandchildren Lindsay (Scott) Watson of Eaton, and Chris (Haylee) Petelle of Eaton; great-grandchildren Carlee and Mateo Watson, Ridge, Asa, Tripp, and Mack Petelle; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Leon Smith, and brothers Eugene and Volney Daugherty.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to three very special aides—Angel Keaton, Elaine Phillips, and Marilyn Ramey—whose loving care allowed Rosie’s wish of staying home until her last heartbeat to be fulfilled. You meant the world to her and to us. Additionally to Preble County Council on Aging for providing weekday lunches and accessible transportation to Rosie. A special thank you also goes to Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care for their compassionate comfort during her final days.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 1, from 5–7 p.m. at Gard Funeral Home, 226 W. Main Street, Eaton, OH, followed by an opportunity for friends and family to share memories in Rosie’s honor at 7 p.m.  A graveside committal service will be Friday, October 3, at 1 p.m. at Ames Chapel Cemetery in Paoli, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Home Repair Program at Home Is the Foundation, 111 West Somers Street, Eaton, OH 45320 or www.hitfoundation.org Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.gardfuneralhome.com