Wanda Smith of Frankfort, Indiana passed away on July 6, 2023, at age 84. She was born on September 28, 1938, in Macy, Indiana to Daniel Hugh Wildermuth and Annetta Marsh Wildermuth. Her husband Lyle Keith Smith preceded her in death.
Wanda is survived by her daughters: Heather (Yutzy) and Cindy (Bray), three grandchildren: Lindsay Godines (Luis), Logan Bray (Mackenzie), Kiran Yutzy, five great grandchildren, two sisters and other relatives.
She had a varied career. Wanda studied at Anderson College and Ball State University, earning a teaching license and worked for 5 years as a PE teacher. She later attended Purdue for graduate training earning Master’s Degrees in: Physical Education, then Counseling and finally Vocational Education. Wanda worked for some time as a probation officer for Clinton County. She then worked as the At Risk/Crisis Counselor for the Community Schools of Frankfort for 3 years. For the next 14 years she worked as Guidance Counselor and Academic/ Vocational Director of 16 high school programs which sent students from Frankfort High School out into the community (to develop job skills) for part of each school day.
In 1990 Wanda helped start Habitat for Humanity in Clinton County and was on the board of directors for 15 years serving as chairman of the Family Selection Committee and as Recording Secretary. She and Keith helped build various Habitat homes in Clinton County. Wanda became a global volunteer team leader for Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing. After retiring from Frankfort High School, she traveled several times each year to many dozens of countries, and led teams of volunteers in North, South, and Central America, Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Eastern Europe, Great Britain, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Macedonia, Central Asia, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Haiti and many African countries. She enjoyed keeping in touch with Habitat staff and team volunteers from around the world.
An avid horsewoman, Wanda owned, rode and trained horses her entire life. She had a number of beloved friends with whom she shared long trail rides. In her younger years she participated in horse shows (English and Western), dressage competitions and Endurance Racing of horses, and training harness horses. Other hobbies/passions included giving obedience training to shelter dogs, reading, bicycle riding for fitness, most outdoor sports including white water rafting. She enjoyed cooking, reading, attending church, volunteering at her church and in the community, entertaining friends and traveling.
She will be remembered for her energy, zest for life and adventure, humor and service.
Visitation will be held, Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 12-2pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Church Lafayette Restoration Ministry. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.