Rowena Mae Smith

August 4, 1929 - February 11, 2020

Rowena Mae Smith, 90, of Thorntown, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, Indiana. She was born in Rensselaer, New York on August 4, 1929; a daughter of the late John B. and Nettie J. (Dresser) Groves. She attended schools in Albany New York. In 1947, she was married to George W. Gideon and the family moved to Thorntown, Indiana in 1959. They later divorced, and she married William R. Smith in Indianapolis, Indiana; both preceded her in death. Rowena worked many years for Stewart-Warner of Lebanon. Prior to that, she worked in the Kroger Bakery and the American Art Clay Company both in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended GAP Community Church in Thorntown. Rowena was devoted to her family and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoyed sewing, quilting and making crafts. Surviving are her children: George (Susan) Gideon of Thorntown Mona Lisa (Floyd) Bennett of Thorntown Nettie Rose Gideon of Thorntown Samuel B. Gideon of Thorntown Rowena J. (Richard) Morris of Indianapolis Eleven Grandchildren Several Great Grandchildren Many Great-Great Grandchildren One Step Granddaughter Four Step Great Grandchildren Six Step Great-Great Grandchildren In addition to her parents, Rowena was preceded in death by brothers, Lawrence Smith, Buster Smith, Walter Groves, Morgan Groves and John B. Groves, Jr.; sisters, Fleta Slemp, Edna Vitetta and one granddaughter. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Myers & Hunt Mortuary, 116 West Plum Street in Thorntown, Indiana. Visitation is planned from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home in Thorntown. Interment will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Thorntown, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.