Sharon Smith, age 84, of Morenci, died Thursday morning, January 30, 2025, at her home, with her family and caregivers by her side. Born near Clayton on June 4, 1940, she was the youngest child born of the union of the late Carl and Dorothy (Reid) Hanlin.
Sharon lived her formative years in the Clayton area and settled in Morenci in her married years. She married Bill Smith on January 25, 1975, in Angola, IN. Together they raised two daughters and just celebrated their 54th anniversary.
Possessing a strong work ethic, Sharon always worked hard in helping provide for her family. She worked at various jobs including in the cafeteria at Bixby Medical Center, the Morenci Rubber Plant, and most recently at Haas Door in Wauseon, where she was second in tenure of all the employees there. She notably retired at age 80, only due to breaking a hip.
Sharon was active in the Clayton Girl Scouts, the Clayton extension club, and most recently the “coffee club” at Burger King in Wauseon. A lover of the outdoors, in her spare time Sharon loved deer hunting, snowmobile riding, and camping in her travel trailer at Hogback Lake in Angola. Her favorite pastimes were coordinating a meal out of the house and supporting the various events of her beloved grandchildren. Sharon is remembered for her genuine ways, her spunky demeanor, and her big heart.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Bill, are her two daughters, Julie (Mark) Borton of Wauseon and Kim Nortley of Morenci; four grandchildren, Chad (Sarah), Michael (Heather), Tim (Jessica), and Nicole (Scott); 11 great-grandchildren, Haleigh, Gia, Hannah, Noah, Josiah, Ally, Makayla, Mariah, Caden, Kinley, and Kyser; and a great-great granddaughter who arrived three days before her passing, Maliyah. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by all her siblings, June DeBenedetto, Bud Hanlin, Norma Woodby, and Joyce Hanlin; and a son-in-law, Timothy Nortley.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the First Congregational Church of Morenci on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until a Celebration of Life begins at 1:00 p.m. Her grandson Pastor Michael Borton will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to Elara Caring Hospice, whose care the family is especially grateful for. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Eagle-Marry Funeral Home, Morenci.