Reba Smith

Reba Smith, 91, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away Sept 18, 2010. She was born February 11, 1919 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was blessed with a natural artistic ability and used her talents in many creative endeavors. She attended the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis. Throughout her life, Reba was active in the Methodist church devoting her time to innumerable areas. She was a member of garden clubs, and was an avid flower arranger. Her great love was painting, first in oils and later in watercolors. She was inspired by the Florida landscape, which she captured in many beautiful paintings. When she moved to the Punta Gorda area, 25 years ago, she learned the art of basket making and spent much of her creative time making beautiful baskets and teaching basket making. Even though she had diabetes since she was 30 and was legally blind, she was able to create beautiful artwork. Her life was always about creating art and she did not let advancing age or physical limitations diminish her creative spirit. She was truly an inspiration to all.

Reba is survived by her husband of 71 years, Linton, and two daughters, Ana Demertzis and her husband, Jonathan Bainbridge, of Arcadia, and Martha Stevenson and husband Thomas, of both Venice and Vermont, a sister, Irma Markwood, of Indiana. She has four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held on October 22, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Christ Community United Methodist Church, 27000 Sunnybrook Road, Harbour Heights, Punta Gorda, FL 33983, followed by a reception at the church. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Women at the church, or to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238.