Marilyn Louise (Martindale) Smith, 89, passed away February 7, 2026 at Gentle Care Nursing Home. She was born April 13, 1936 to the late John and Jennie (Church) Martindale in Vincennes, IN.
She graduated from Monroe City High School in 1954 and married Orison (John) Smith on October 30, 1954. The couple lived in Hanau, Germany for two years while John was serving in the United States Army. After returning to the States, Marilyn attended Beauty College in Terre Haute, IN. She later worked at Columbia Records in the collections department. Eventually moving back to Vincennes, she worked as a secretary at Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary School.
Marilyn grew up on a farm and this started her love for animals, especially horses. She was an excellent musician singing in the church choir, playing saxophone in the school band, accomplished on the piano, accordion and violin. Music was always a part of her life in some way.
Marilyn felt very blessed to be a mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, being outdoors, having pets, cooking, sports and watching her family grow. Marilyn and John were fortunate to celebrate seventy years of marriage together. We will miss her unique life advice and sense of humor. She was truly special to so many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, John Jr., a sister, Ola Mae Bess, husband, John, daughters, Teri Ransom and Emily Bartley, grandson, Mason Alvis. She is survived by her children, Marty Smith and his wife Pam of Monroe City, Jerry Smith and his wife Denise of Monroe City, Jason Smith and his wife Kathy of Terre Haute, Bobbi Alvis and her husband Brett of Monroe City, twelve grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren.
Graveside services celebrating the life of Marilyn will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 919 Willow St., Vincennes, IN with Pastor Mike Flynn officiating. Online memories may be shared with Marilyn’s family and friends at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Marilyn and her family.
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