Kenneth F Smith

Kenneth Smith, Elyria resident, passed into peace on Monday, April 27, 2026 at the age of 96. Ken was born June 13, 1929 at Elyria Memorial Hospital, grew up and was raised in Elyria and was the cherished son of Leonard and Marcella Smith.

He worked at Fox Furnace/American Standard, was a foreman at Tappan Electric/Smith Jones, a manager at J&B Discount store and, after retiring, he worked at Grafton Auto Supply and Federated Auto Parts. He and the guys from Fox Furnace, who worked together back in the 1950's would still gather together for fellowship luncheons more than 50 years later, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Ken was a former member of the St. Jude's Parents Club, the Altar and Rosary Society, Eucharistic Adoration, the Elyria Catholic Band Boosters, and the Senior Men’s Fellowship Club. He loved taking day trips and going out to eat. On top of his many jobs, clubs and social obligations, he loved to fish, hunt, fix anything and everything, he always cared for his beloved wife of 70 years and their loving children.

He leaves behind his beloved children, Michelle (Brian) Walsh and Mark Smith; his grandchildren, Ryan (Elizabeth) Smith, Randy Smith, and Amber Smith; his great-grandchildren, Cody, Deja, and Angel; his sister, Marcia Rothgery; his St. Jude family, many friends, neighbors, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents; his wife, Roseleen Smith (nee Diederich); his son, Paul; his sister, Mary Jane Dempsey, and brothers, Earl and Eldon Smith.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 9:30 - 10:30 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 590 Poplar St., Elyria, Ohio 44035. Burial to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 3700 Center Rd., Avon, Ohio 44011.

Arrangements by Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home.

Donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online donations can be made by clicking here.