Carol Smith

If you wanted to feel loved or to see a beautiful smile, you sat next to Carol Elaine (Hunter) Smith. Even in her final days facing dementia, she still carried her beautiful light to others around her until she died at age 74 in Lancaster, Ohio on Monday, December 22, 2025.

She was born to Clarence and Virginia (Thomas) Hunter of Amanda, Ohio where she grew up near her large extended families. It was in high school that she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Smith of Stoutsville, Ohio and had their first date at the Fairfield County Fair in 1966, something they often celebrated annually over the course of their 53 year marriage. They were married on October 15th, 1972.

In the beginning of their marriage, Carol joined Jeff on base in South Carolina where he served in the Air Force. They lived there for 2 years before returning to Ohio where Carol worked for Fairfield Federal Bank as a teller and shortly after, started a family with daughter Megan born in 1977 and son Ryan born in 1980. Her family was the source of her joy and she poured everything into them by making holidays magical, volunteering at the school for countless events, being present for games, musicals or band concerts and having a listening ear. Carol's faith was very important to her and she was an active member of church, teaching Sunday School and serving in various roles.

She had part-time jobs over the years, but the one that brought her the greatest joy was working with preschool children for close to a decade at New Hope Christian School in Circleville, Ohio in the early 2000s. The kids and staff loved Miss Carol and she loved them. She loved sharing the daily anecdotes of what the kids did each day. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and took immense joy in spending time with them. Carol had rich friendships and was easily loved by those around her. She enjoyed pulling together meaningful gifts for others and spending time with those she loved.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Smith; children Megan Hysell and Ryan (Molly) Smith; grandchildren Roman & Addison "Sonnie", Gwendolyn, Whitney, Veronica & Everett. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence & Virgina.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Taylor-Theller Funeral Home, Amanda, with Pastor Marilin Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, OH 43130.