Barbara Lee Smith, age 95, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026 at her home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born on November 11, 1930, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Elsworth Lee & Annabelle Lee Gagle. Barbara graduated from South Side High School in 1949. In 1950, she married the love of her life, Ralph Leslie Smith, with whom she shared 32 wonderful years before his passing in 1982.
On February 7, 1959, Barbara and Ralph were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses. She spent the rest of her life serving Jehovah God, teaching her children and others about him. She loved her family, including her extensive spiritual family. Being surrounded by her brothers and sisters in the congregation was one of her favorite places to be. She also enjoyed working in her yard, gardening, and caring for her beautiful flowers. She loved animals, especially her dog, Duke, and had many fond memories of visiting the zoo with her grandchildren.
Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength, sense of humor, devotion to her family, and strong faith in Jehovah God. She is survived by her children, Sharon Wahl of Fort Wayne and Richard (Karen) Smith of Fort Wayne; daughter-in-law Mary Smith of Grabill; 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a large spiritual family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, her parents, her siblings Ilo, Leroy, and James, her son, David Lee Smith, and her son-in-law Steven Wahl.
A memorial service will be held on September 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6000 Abbott Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 pm. Her family is grateful for the kindness and support shown during this time.
