Alicia Christensen Ochs-Smith

She was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 7, 1936, to the late Marius (Lefty) and Anne Cornell Christensen. Alicia was a graduate of Upper Arlington and graduated from Ohio State with an Elementary Teaching Degree. She also started her association with the Zeta Tau Sorority, which she continued until health prevented her from attending meetings late in life. Alicia and Don O., with their young son, moved to Washington, D.C., and lived within the shadow of the White House. During this time, Alicia gave birth to her daughter, Ann Eliziabeth. Shortly thereafter, the family moved back to Columbus, where Alicia followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a teacher at the Greensview Elementary School in Upper Arlington, teaching kindergarteners. She raised her kids and during this time moved to the west side of Columbus, where both kids graduated from Westland High School and Ohio State University.

Alicia’s first husband passed away and shortly after she met the second love of her life, Don Smith (Smitty). Alicia and Smitty shared a love of golf, and it was through this game that their relationship was cultivated. After they both retired, they lived the golfer’s life. You’d better have brought your A-game when you're playing golf with Alicia. She was an active member of the Franklin County Women's Golf Association and the Hickory Hills Golf Club and won her share of events.

In later years, Alicia volunteered at Riverside Methodist Church, where she’d attended as a child, and was an active and beloved member. Alicia will be remembered for her open and sweet spirit and personality, the goodness in her heart, and the children she impacted. Her friends and family will miss her terribly. She truly was an angel here on Earth.

Alicia was blessed by her first husband, Don A. Ochs, and her second husband, Don Smith, both of whom preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Ann, and her brother Buzz Christensen. Alicia is survived by her son, Mark Ochs; Sister Karen Forgrave; Sister-in-law Shirley; And all of Don Smith’s children and great grandchildren, as well as countless friends.

A public visitation will be held to celebrate Alicia’s life on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4PM – 7PM at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus 43221. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alicia’s honor may be made to the Ohio State University Cancer Research Center or an animal welfare group dear to you.

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