Sylvia Bridges

BRIDGES, Sylvia P., 100 of Eldorado, Ohio passed away peacefully Friday, May 2, 2014. She was born February 22, 1914 in Casey Co., KY. She was the 2nd child of 13 of Albert and Lenora (Edwards) Smither, she is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Sylvia married F. Gilbert Bridges on June 21, 1942 in Louisville, KY and he preceded her death in 1993 after 51 years of marriage. She moved with her family to IL when she was six years old. Later she moved with her family to Mitchell, IN so her father could better employment opportunities, this is where she spent her “growing up” years. Due to her father’s illness, Sylvia quit school as a young teen to help support her family. At almost 18, she and her older brother hitchhiked from Mitchell, IN to Louisville, KY so they could both get better jobs. She found work and her brother did not. She lived with her mother’s sister Mary. Sylvia gave her life to Jesus when she heard evangelist Mordecai Hamm preach at a tent revival in Louisville. While on a blind date, she met and married the love of her life. Three years later because of a job transfer, they moved with their two children to Dayton, OH in 1945. She was homesick for her parents and young siblings which resulted in her getting involved in the local church near their home. She was active in Whittier School PTA and Miami Chapel EUB and later Ft. McKinley EUB Church. She supplemented the family income by babysitting, taking in ironing and later selling Avon, carrying her products door to door. Sylvia soon realized that a “real job” would be more profitable and easier. She started as an extra in central wrapping at Rike’s Department Store during the Christmas rush. Later she was made a “regular” employee, working 40 hours a week until her retirement at age 62. Shortly after her and her husband’s retirement they moved to a home in West Carrollton where they were active members in the memorial United Methodist Church. They formed many new friends and renewed old friends during their 19 years there. She cared for her husband during his cancer. She sold their home about a year and a half after his death. Sylvia, at the age of 80 had a new home built in Eldorado, OH to be near her daughter. She was active in Eldorado Methodist Women’s missions and attended New Paris 1st Baptist Church with her daughter’s family. Sylvia has been a faithful Christian contributing to many Christian causes, delivering food to the needy, working with the West Carrollton food pantry, visiting patients at the Dayton State Hospital and serving others in many ways. At age 90 she fell, receiving a serious head injury which prevented her from driving or taking care of her business affairs. She continued to try to stay active attending church, going to gospel sings in OH, KY, TN and wherever her daughter took her. She always had a dog who was great company to her as a widow. When she turned 86, she got Caesar (a blonde cock-a-poo) who she loved dearly. Her children never dreamed she would outlive Caesar, he lived to 13, she was 99. Sylvia had begun to think she may reach her goal of living to at least 100. She suffered another fall on December 24, 2013 and severe head injury that made her goal look impossible. Sylvia, always a determined, strong willed and a little bit stubborn lady celebrated her 100th BIRTHDAY on February 22 having a big party while living at the Greenbrier Nursing Center in Eaton, OH. She had begun missing her family her parents, siblings and was very homesick to see them and her husband. She started to fail when she contracted a respiratory infection and stopped eating. She was still able to walk with her walker five days before she went peacefully home to meet Jesus face to face and reunite with her family. HALLELUJAH you have graduated to Heaven. Everyone who knew her described her as a “real classy, dignified, caring lady” who was loved and admired by all. Your family loves you, misses you and will always be guided by your example of how to live: Prov. 3: 5 – 6. Sylvia is survived by her daughter Linda Bridges Stevens of Eldorado, OH, her son Bill (Mindy) Bridges of Dayton. Also surviving are her grandchildren Jennifer (Mike) Stevens Sinks of West Manchester, OH; John L Stevens of Eldorado, OH; Scott (Tico) Bridges of Huber Heights, OH; James B. (Maria) Bridges of Colorado; three great-grandsons Xavier Bridges, Caleb and Joshua Sinks, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends at the GLEN HAVEN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, Friday, May 9, 2014 starting at 10 am followed by a Celebration of Sylvia’s life at 11 am with Pastor Chris Tannreuther presiding. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made either of her two favorite charities: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28201: www.billygraham.org: or Salvation Army, 913 Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH: www.salvationarmy.org. Arrangements entrusted to the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME ENGLEWOOD CHAPEL, 675 West Wenger Road. Messages of sympathy and support to her family may be made at: www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.