Connie Kay (West) Smith, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed on to eternal life on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at the age of 72. She was born June 6, 1946 in Wellston, Ohio to the late Clarence West and Helen (Holzapfel) West. Connie was a 1964 graduate of Wellston High School, during which time she was head majorette for the Golden Rocket Marching Band. During her senior year, she led the band in a parade in Athens, Ohio welcoming President Lyndon B. Johnson, during which time she was given the opportunity to meet the President. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston, where she served often as organist, and was always involved with various committees and festivals. The Oktoberfests were her favorite. She also offered her talents and leadership to the community as a piano teacher, baton twirling instructor, Cub Scout Pack 58 leader, and often was involved with the entertainment for the Ohillco Days activities. Her love and passion for art, crafts and antiquing led to the inspiration of Grandma’s Gallery, a local Wellston business for years. However, Connie’s favorite thing in the world to do, was to gather around a piano to play and sing songs with her family and friends. Her smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.. Connie is survived by the love of her life and husband, Gary Smith; sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmie “J.C.” and Lisa Spearry of Portsmouth and John T. and Brittany Spearry of Cleveland; grandchildren, Carter, Peyton, Tristan, Reagan, and Belina Spearry; step-sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Stephen and Tereasa Smith of South Webster and Brad Douglas and Rachel Smith of West Portsmouth; step-grandchildren, Michael, Mikhail, Brianna, Stephen III, and Jeremiah Smith, and Brittany and Michael Bazler; brother, James West of Las Vegas, NV; nephews, Todd and Ryan West; along with several cousins and friends. Besides her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her nephew, Larry West.
Connie’s family would like to extend their appreciation to SOMC Hospice Center for the kind and loving care of their wife and mother.
Calling hours will be Friday, July 6, 2018, from 3 to 8 P.M.at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston, where a Rosary service will be held at 8 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11 A.M. at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston with Father Donald Maroon officiating. For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions in Connie’s name be given to either Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School c/o 227 South New York Ave., Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com