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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Genelle

Genelle Smoker Profile Photo

Smoker

Dec 25, 1940 — Sep 29, 2016

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Obituary

Mrs. GeNelle Ruth Smoker, 75, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 7:14 AM Thursday, September 29 , 2016 at her home.  This followed a valiant battle with cancer.
On Christmas day, 1940, the most beautiful gift,  GeNelle  was born in Kewanna.  She was the treasured daughter of  Arnold L. and  Ione Reed Zellers.  Growing up she shared her childhood with four lively brothers.  In 1959, GeNelle  graduated from Kewanna High School.
Later that year, on December 17th , also in Kewanna,  GeNelle married the love of her life Ernest A. Smoker.  They became best friends and shared over 56 years of life's adventures.  From their union came two wonderful children, Eric and Edwina.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessing of a granddaughter Taylor.
A dedicated member of Rochester's Kroger team, GeNelle cultivated many friendships while working for two and a half decades and then retired.  A vibrant community servant she was a member of the Fulton County Mental Health Association, leading the organization as executive director for seven years.  GeNelle  is a Psi Iota Xi alumnus.  She continued to work in the areas of speech, hearing and music.  She also served as an Area V Board of Director for the Council on Aging.
A woman of strong Christian faith, GeNelle was a devoted member of the Grace United Methodist Church for well over three decades.   She and Ernie were members of Steve Gottschalk's Sunday school class.  She served the United Methodist Women as past President and was a member of the Blue Apple Circle.
An adventurer, GeNelle accompanied by Edwina traveled internationally to visit a cousin in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  While on location they enjoyed a camel ride. She also visited Belgium, Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Many memories were made when Grandpa Ernie, Grandma GeNelle and Taylor explored America's great west.  Their expedition took in many locales. Among their favorites were Mt. Rushmore, Salem Oregon, and Yellowstone.
Ernie and GeNelle are hosts and friends to many  deer and wild turkeys.  Their sun room overlooks the backyard sanctuary where many animal species common and rare  are cared for with food and water.  Captivating their attention were four groups of turkey hens  trooping thru the yard to garner food and drink with their chicks.
Accomplished with her handiwork,  GeNelle took great satisfaction with sewing and quilting gifts of warmth.  She enjoyed the solitude of  reading and a good game of Suduko.  GeNelle was an avid IU basketball fan, cheered wildly for the Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts.  She quietly tolerated Notre Dame games when Ernie and Edwina tuned in.
Left to cherish GeNelle's memory are her husband Ernie; four daughters: Edwina Smoker and partner Loyda Mercado of Tulsa, OK, Jodi Huffman, Gretchen Wagenknecht, both of Rochester, and Lora Redweik of Twelve Mile; granddaughter Taylor McDaniel of Edmond, OK;  four brothers: Larry Zellers and wife Janice of Lafontaine, Raymond Zellers and wife Jane of Eustis, FL,  Howard Zellers and wife Mary Ann of Albion, IL, Kenny Zellers, of Brandon, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding GeNelle in death are her parents, a son Eric E. Smoker on February 14 , 2001, and Cosmo, a short hair Tabby.

Pastors Kerry O'Brien and  Joye Oliver will officiate services. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

October
3

Monday

Good Family Funeral Home

1200 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN 46975

4:00 - 7:00 pm

Visitation

October
4

Tuesday

Grace United Methodist Church

701 Jefferson Street, Rochester, IN 46975

9:00 - 10:00 am

Celebration of Life

October
4

Tuesday

Grace United Methodist Church

701 Jefferson Street, Rochester, IN 46975

Starts at 10:00 am

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