Jeanine Rians Smith

1930-2025

SEBRING — Jeanine Rians Smith, 95, of 800 S. 15th St. – Apt. 9-245, Sebring, Ohio passed away peacefully in her sleep Dec. 6, 2025, at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring, Ohio.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Aug. 19, 1930, she was the daughter of Frank Beatty and Anna Brandt Rians.

She graduated from Academy of Our Lady in Peoria, Illinois in 1948.

Immediately after high school, she became an employee of the Caterpillar Tractor Co. Her services there extended over a period of five years with her last position being the executive receptionist.

Mrs. Smith left that position in 1952 to become an airline stewardess for the Delta Air Lines Inc. After two years at Delta, she married Daniel E. Smith in 1954 and moved to Salem, Ohio.

She worked in the bookkeeping department of the Farmers National Bank of Salem for two years, leaving there to open a new business with her husband at 223 E. State St. in Salem on March 1, 1956, Daniel E. Smith Jeweler, Inc.

Her skills with decorating, employee management and organizing a complete wedding and gift department substantially contributed to the success of that company for 38 years. The business closed on Jan. 22, 1994.

For 25 years, she and her husband owned a residence at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. As an active tennis player, she served as president of the Health & Tennis Club there.

Mrs. Smith was a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Salem, St. Ann Catholic Church in Sebring, the Salem Golf Club, the Salem Country Club, the Salem Community Center, and a Life Member of the Salem Historical Society.

Survivors include two sons: Gregory Rians (Elizabeth) of Canyon Country, Calif., and Daniel Thaddeus (Lisa) of Poland, Ohio; six grandchildren: Townsend Bendersmith (Sarah) of Youngstown, Ohio, Derek Smith (Madison) of Davis, Calif., Hadleigh Smith Savage (Michael) of Johnstown, Pa., Brian Smith (Alexa) of Palestine, Texas, Kevin Smith (Camila) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Tobias Smith and his mom Julie M. Smith of Youngstown, Ohio; three great-grandchildren: Madigan Bendersmith, Cormac Bendersmith and Shay Smith; one brother: Michael D. Rians (Terri) of Sutherlin, Ore.; nieces: Shelley Rians Ingram, Debbie Rians Hadfield, Sandi Rians Snell, Gina Rians McKenna, Mary Rians Gschwend, Kathleen Rians Lowery, Deni Rians Keen; nephews: Clark Rians, Larry Rians, Steve Rians, Rob Rians, David Rians; cousins: JoAnn Brandt Engst; Shelly Engst Decker; Nici Engst Haerter; and more nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Daniel E. Smith; son: Timothy Emerson Smith of Boardman, Ohio; brothers: Chester B. Rians, Gerald F. Rians, twin brothers, John S. Rians, and James R. Rians – all of Peoria, Illinois, and a niece, Deborah Anne Rians. One day after Jeanine’s passing, sister-in-law Diane E. Rians (91) of Russellville, Ark. passed away.

The family of Jeanine R. Smith would like to thank the caring and dedicated staff of Copeland Oaks, Crandall Medical Center, and the Aultman Hospice & Palliative Care.

Calling hours for Jeanine will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1014 E State St., Salem, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. the same day at the funeral home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Jeanine’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

3/7/26