Doris E. Bailey Smitley, 89, of Huntington, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018, at her home.
She was born July 5, 1928, in Huntington to Hillis and Lula Grossman Bailey. She graduated in 1946 from Huntington High School. She married F. Dale Smitley Nov. 24, 1946; he preceded her in death in 1983.
Doris helped run the family business, Professional Janitorial Service and Safeguard Services. She was a dedicated foster parent for 18 years to countless Huntington children; many still call her “Mom.” She was a member of the Huntington First Church of the Nazarene and most recently attended the St. John Family Worship Center in Vera Cruz.
Doris was known for always baking and cooking, keeping her candy dish full, and her love of Jesus. She spent many hours playing Rummikub, Skip-Bo, and Aggravation. Doris was also known for playing the organ in church. She spent time traveling the world. She loved to watch bull riding and her Indiana Hoosiers.
She is survived by five children, Cheryl Collins of Huntington, Russell (Sabine) Smitley of St. Augustine, Fla., Jan (Jerry) Williams of Huntington, Cindy (Nick) Neal of Andrews, and Misty (Brian) Murray of Huntington; a brother, James (Barb) Bailey of Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and longtime friend and caregiver Deb Holland of Huntington. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Barnhardt, and a sister, Melba Rentschler.
Calling hours are from 3 – 7 p.m. Friday, May 18, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 W. Park Drive, Huntington. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. Don Rentschler is officiating. Entombment will be in Gardens of Memory in Huntington County.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Youth Services Bureau of Huntington County or Parkview Hospice, in care of the funeral home.
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