Janet G. (Maple) Smith

Janet G. Smith, 80, passed away Sunday December 20, 2020, at Bloom of Kokomo.  She was born May 12, 1940, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Donald & Delores (Young) Maple.  On August 2, 1972, she married James F. Smith who survives. 

Janet was a 1958 graduate of Eastern High School where she served as valedictorian of her high school senior class.  She graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education in 1963.   Janet taught school for 5 years and farmed with her husband for 20 years.  Janet and Jim were co-owners of Poppin Acres Farm, where they grew popcorn on their farm for Orville Redenbacher.  Orville came to visit them in his helicopter one day and then offered to give them a ride, which they did.  She was Business Women of the Year in 1972 for the Business Women’s Association of Kokomo. 

Janet was a member of First United Methodist Church where she was an organist for 60 years and taught bible classes.  During their 48 years of marriage, they were fortunate to travel many places throughout the world and United States. She and Jim were avid golfers and at age 60, Janet got a hole in one. Janet and Jim wintered in their Florida home for almost 50 years, where they enjoyed golfing almost each day.  She also enjoyed music and people.  Janet survived a ruptured brain aneurysm 22 years ago.  She was a Godly woman who was loved by everyone she knew.  Janet loved entertaining guests in their home and was well known for being a wonderful cook. 

Along with her husband James, Janet is also survived by her daughter, Jackie Kowalski; step-daughters, Jamie (Rick) Shuck and Renee (Randy) Waddell; granddaughters, Jalyn Kowalski and Jerran Kowalski; step-grandchildren, Eric (April) Mathis, Wendy Loria, Shelley (Dale) Buettner, Bryan (Ana) Mitzelfelt and Brad (Cassandra) Mitzelfelt, along with 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ann White and JoEllen (Steve) Matthews; and nephews, Josh Matthews and Joel Matthews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; step-grandson, Craig Shuck; and son-in-law, Jeff Kowalski.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 3:30 pm Saturday, May 15, 2021, at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 213 S. Meridian Street, Greentown.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1-3:30 at the fellowship hall.  Hasler & Stout Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s memory to a charity of your choice.  Messages of condolence may be made online at www.hasler-stout.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.