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Janet L. Smith

Janet L. Smith, 82, of Bluffton, IN, and having family in Uniondale, IN, died Sunday evening Feb. 23, 2020, at Ossian Health Care in Ossian.

A 1955 graduate of Petroleum High School, Mrs. Smith worked at NFM Grain Elevator and Panhandle Eastern Pipeline. She served as a deputy in the Wells County Recorder’s office from 1985 to 1992. In 1993, she was elected Wells County recorder and held that position until 2001. She continued to serve as a deputy in that office until she retired on Aug. 2, 2002.

She was a member of JT5 Homemakers Club and attended Petroleum United Methodist Church.

She was born July 16, 1937, in Bluffton to Lawrence Reaser and Nellie Noble Reaser-Dickason. She married James “Jim” Smith on April 7, 1956 in Petroleum, and he survives.

Additional survivors include three sons, Randy (Lisa) Smith and Larry (Sarah) Smith, both of Bluffton, and Chris (Missy) Smith, of Liberty Center; a daughter, Heidi (Doug) Fear, of Uniondale; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Calling is today, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior. Rev. Steve Bard will officiate. Burial will follow in Stahl Cemetery in Wells County.

Memorials are to the Petroleum United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com.