Reva (Smith) Fitzjarrald, 86, Jonesboro, passed away at home from natural causes at 5:46 am on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. She was born at the Smith family farm in Sweetser, Indiana on Thursday, September 27, 1934, to Robert Smith and Edith Haynes Smith (Trout). The eldest of 3 children, she had two younger brothers, Lester and Roger.
Growing up, Reva participated in 4-H and helping with the milking and other farm chores. She was elected Homecoming Queen her senior year. Upon graduating from Sweetser High School, Reva attended Ball State University to study nursing, but elected to leave school to marry her high school sweetheart, Hubert Fitzjarrald, and start a family in Marion, Indiana. She worked as a Nurse’s Aid for the next several years, but returned to school in the Sixties to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She continued with her nursing career while growing a family of 4 children. Many family summers were spent camping on road trips and at Yellow Creek Lake, where the family eventually acquired a lake cottage. In 1970, the family relocated to the Jonesboro/Fairmount area.
In her early fifties, Reva returned to college to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University, while continuing her full-time work schedule at Marion General Hospital. She graduated with honors. She especially enjoyed the arts and literature courses. She retired from nursing after 42 years of service at Marion General Hospital. After the death of her beloved husband in 1994, Reva enjoyed going to dance socials and embarked on extensive travel with friends to every state in the continental U.S., as well as Costa Rica, Canada, and Europe. She enjoyed being out and seeing happy , healthy people eating, laughing, and enjoying life.
She was pre-deceased by her parents; step-father, Everett Trout; husband, Hubert; son, Patrick; brother, Lester Smith; niece, Julie Smith Jones (Ross); and friend, Larry Myers. Reva is survived by her children, Susan (Gary) Haisley of Fairmount, Leah (David) Markum of Franklin, TN, and Michael (Nancy) Fitzjarrald of Muncie; daughter-in-law, Sarah Fitzjarrald of Anderson; brother, Roger (Roxie) Smith; granddaughters, Tinuviel Kruse, Laura Pettit, Megan Fitzjarrald, and Kelsey Fitzjarrald; great-grandchildren, Aida Kruse, Alexander Diaz, Eleanor Kruse, Ethan Diaz, as well as her friend, Joe Suemegi.
The family will receive visitors from 11 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel 400 E. Main St., Gas City, In.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Reva ‘s life will begin at 1 pm with Pastor Theodore Payne officiating. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory-Marion.
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