Wauneta Alice Smith

Wauneta Alice Smith, 93, of Van Wert, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Van Wert Manor.

She was born on March 21, 1933 in Decatur, Indiana, to Russell and Adah (Click) Weldy, who both preceded her in death. A 1951 graduate of Decatur High School, Wauneta married the love of her life, Donald Smith on April 7, 1953 in Fairbanks, Alaska. They shared 58 years of marriage before his death on April 5, 2011.

Don and Wauneta came back home down the Alaskan Highway and traveled the United States. She worked in retail for many years in retail at Wolf & Dessauer and Buckeye Mart. She was also a waitress and volunteered at Trinity Friends Church and Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

She is survived by several nephews and nieces in Indiana, Ohio and California.

She also loved her church family, her neighbors and friends, including her good friend and caretakers, Cheryl and Richard Shobes.

In addition to her parents and husband, Wauneta was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Weldy and sister, Marjary Terrell.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 3, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Heilshorn persiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral, from 12-1 p.m. on Monday. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery.

Preferred memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared at alspachgearhart.com.