Leota G. Bruner Smith

the daughter of the late Adrian D. Bruner and Mabel C. (Green) Bruner of Bloomington. She was born August 2, 1920, in Bloomington and attended Bloomington High School and Indiana University (IU), where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and an associate’s degree in bacteriology. She later earned her Masters degree and teaching certificate from IU.

In 1945, she married Harold R. Skirvin of Bloomington. They lived in Ohio and Texas before settling down with their children in Brown County for 16 years until Harold’s death in 1971. In 1983, Leota married Francis Smith, a former Bloomington high school classmate. They lived in Brown County until Fran’s death in 2000.

Leota taught chemistry and physics at Brown County High School for more than 20 years. She was active in the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, the Indiana State Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Business and Professional Women, and the American Heart Association, Literary Club, & Garden Club. She was named the runner up Indiana State Teacher of the Year. She earned numerous awards from the American Heart Association.

Leota spent her retirement years traveling to every continent in the world, including trips to Australia, Europe, Machu Picchu, the Middle East, Antarctica, and the Orient. She also traveled extensively in the United States. She took up sky diving in her 70’s & enjoyed this activity into her 80’s primarily in Greensburg, IN.

Leota was the mother of five children: Michael D.(Charr) Skirvin, Plainfield; and Morris D.(Rita Shoop) Skirvin, Terry Skirvin, Marc A.(Dana) Skirvin and Patrick H.(Star) Skirvin, all of Nashville. She has three stepchildren: Steve Smith of Ridgecrest, CA; Susie (Smith) Leone of Sacramento, CA; and Daud Smith of Kansas City, KS. She has 18 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and another great grandchild on the way.

A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 22 at 1:00 P.M. at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home with Earl Piper officiating. A Committal Service will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington at 3;00 P.M. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home Monday, April 21 from 6:00P.M.-8:00P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

On line condolences made be sent to the family at www.bondmitchellfuneralhome.com

Arrangements under the direction of Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home, Nashville, IN.