Margaret Merle Wilson Smith, 93, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Steve Shriver of Rochester, on Saturday morning, January 28th. Margaret was born on October 24, 1918 in Kewanna to John L. "Bummer" and Amy E. Wiley Wilson. Growing up she shared her childhood on the farm with her sister Darlene. In 1936, with great pride she graduated from Kewanna High School. On March 10, 1939, Margaret and Herbert Dale Smith were married in the Kewanna United Methodist Church. Their marriage of over 47 years produced 5 children: Elaine, Jane, Steve, Bill and Richard. Richard passed to the next life at age 5 from complications of pneumonia. Bill preceded her on March 26, 2004 at age 57. The family tree flourished over the years with the addition of seven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. An accomplished handiwork artist, Margaret persevered with diligence completing a variety of projects, creating layers of warmth for family and special friends. There were mittens, sock hats, scarves, slippers and afghans, all of these were knitted or crocheted with love. Also among her creations were dish clothes and seasonal decorations for the holidays. She established a family tradition of creating custom clothing for her infant grandchildren and the great-grandchildren. Each was given a special baby blanket, too. Doting on the grands and great-grands was the specialty of the matriarch who oversaw four generations. An avid sports enthusiast, Margaret read Sports Illustrated until the more recent years. Football was her forte'. She watched Notre Dame, Purdue and Drew Brees, and then there were the Vikings from Tippecanoe Valley. The autumn Friday nights were set aside to relax, as she listened to WRSW with Rita Price Simpson for the play-by-play and an occasional greeting from the broadcast booth. It was time for Viking Football, coached by her grandson Jeff Shriver. A member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Margaret also sang in the Chancel Choir during her earlier years. She was a member of the Mackinac Club, Pinochle Club, and a Fulton County 4-H Leader. As a seasoned traveler, Margaret's favorite destinations were to Colorado to visit with her son Steve, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She loved reading novels and books on history and had amassed many in her personal library. To relax she listened to all types of music. Her favorite song was, "When the Saints Go Marching In." Margaret was passionate about life on the farm. She lived all of her adult life until her passing on the same land parcel. Watching the traffic on Indiana 25 and observing the action on the farm kept her intrigued. There was always something to see, whether it was the progress of the crops or the life cycle of the livestock, Margaret was on the cutting edge and in the know. Margaret is lovingly remembered by 2 daughters: Elaine Snyder, Ft. Wayne, and Jane Shriver and husband Steve, Rochester; a son, Steve Smith and wife Lisa, Sedgwick, KS; 7 grandchildren: Jeff and Janie Shriver, Rochester, Sue & Eric Sponable, Ft. Wayne, Tina & Rob Ford, Alexandria, Richard Snyder, Charlotte, NC, Jason Smith, Springfield, IL, Beth & Adam Smith, Kewanna, and Sara Smith of IL; 20 great-grandchildren, and numerous grand dogs. Preceding her in death are her parents, husband Herb on May 31, 1986, sons Richard Dale Smith and William D. Smith, an infant granddaughter Victoria Lee Snyder, an infant great-grandson Stephen Doyne Shriver, and a sister Darlene Long and husband Kenny. Rev. Maurice Grindle will officiate services. She will be laid to eternally rest next to her beloved husband Herb in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery.