Sarah "Sally" Jane Smith's Obituary
SMITH, Sarah "Sally" Jane, age 88, of Waynesville, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Sally was a faithful member of Waynesville United Methodist Church and a 1956 valedictorian graduate of Waynesville High School. Together with her husband, Glen, she fulfilled a lifelong dream when they opened Waynesville Furniture in 1969. Over the next 47 years, they built not only a successful business, but lasting friendships with generations of families throughout the community.
She will be most remembered for her caring heart, friendly personality, and unconditional love for her family. She was family-oriented, genuinely outgoing, and was known for never speaking an unkind word. Her gentle spirit and welcoming smile made everyone feel like a friend, and her greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved.
Sally had an exceptional eye for decorating and design. Whether assisting customers at Waynesville Furniture or helping furnish and decorate Homearama show homes for local builders, she had a remarkable ability to transform a house into a warm and inviting home. Her own home reflected that same gift, becoming a place family often described as looking like it belonged in a magazine.
She loved spending time on the water. Beginning with boating trips to Rocky Fork Lake before later enjoying many summers at Caesar Creek Lake, some of her family's most cherished memories were made together on the lake. Annual June vacations to Dale Hollow Lake, where the family owned a cabin near Sunset Marina, became treasured traditions that everyone looked forward to year after year.
Sally also enjoyed traveling with Glen and their family. Annual trips to Amish Country became favorite traditions, and they often invited one or more of their grandchildren to join them. They also looked forward to attending furniture and gift shows in High Point, North Carolina, and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Sally especially enjoyed searching for antiques, unique home décor, and Feather Edge dinnerware, always finding inspiration for her next decorating project.
Her generosity extended beyond her family and business. During the early years of the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Sally worked alongside Albert "Cap" Stubbs and his family to help establish what has become one of Ohio's premier festivals. She also volunteered by dispatching calls for the Wayne Township Fire and Rescue Squad from the furniture store, quietly serving her community behind the scenes.
Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Glen Smith; her parents, Elwood and Ruth (Corbitt) Killworth; and a granddaughter, Amanda. She is survived by her son, Larry Smith; daughters, Jacki England, Vicki Smith, and Brenda (Jeff) Sergent; grandchildren, Ashlea (Kyle) Back, Austin (Casey) England, and Thomas (Amanda) Sergent; seven great-grandchildren, Hudson, Harper, Hope, Van, Gavin, Sparrow, and Owen; her sister, Kathy (Rich) Frye; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until noon on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A Life Celebration service will immediately follow with Pastor Joe Hansen officiating. Burial will follow at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties. Condolences and memories may be shared at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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