Deena Joyce (Ford) Smith, age 69 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at her residence.  She was born June 2, 1949 in Elwood, the daughter of Albert L. and Joan (Spitzmesser) Ford.  Deena was a 1967 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and also attended Ball State University.  She worked for Delco Electronics which later became Delphi Corporation in Kokomo for a total of 33 years as a shipping and office clerk, and she retired in 2004.  She was a member of the United Auto Workers #292 and formerly was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Elwood.  She especially enjoyed playing cards, and was an active member of the "Eight is Enough" Euchre Club for over 40 years.  Deena enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and playing the piano for many years.  She loved to watch reality television shows such as The Amazing Race, The Bachelor, and Dancing with the Stars; and she also regularly watched The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune.  Deena also enjoyed visiting the Smoky Mountains, making pies and candy, spending time with her beloved cat, "Fluffy", and Friday night dinners with her family.  More than anything, Deena was devoted to her children and will always be remembered for never missing any of her children's activities while they were growing up.  In later years, her grandchildren were the highlight of her life.  Deena will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Deena's family legacy includes 3 children, Michelle Smith of Muncie, Melanie (husband D.J.) Sanders of Muncie, and Marlena Smith (fiance' Matt Washington) of Alexandria; sister, Rebecca J. Ford of Marion; 5 grandchildren, Samantha (husband Gage) Brown, Alexis Sanders, Cameron Vest, Shelby Sanders, and Gabby Sanders; 2 extended grandchildren, Ken Washington and Jessica Washington; aunt, Joyce (husband Clifford) Brown of Fortville; former husband, Howard Smith of Kokomo; and numerous cousins and extended family members.  She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Albert and Joan Ford.

A memorial service celebrating Deena's life will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Friday, July 20, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 PM prior to the memorial service on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Animal Shelter to honor Deena's love of animals.  Online condolences to the family may be expressed at copherfeslermay.com.