Juanita E (Baer) Smith

Juanita E. Smith, 90, of Elkhart, died at home on Sunday, January 29, 2017 after a brief illness.

Juanita was born on October 31, 1926 in Dubuque, IA to the late Earnest E. and Alice E. (Moore) Baer.

On November 24, 1962, she married Boyd W. Smith in Elkhart.  Boyd died November 17, 2016.  Also preceding her in death was a son, Marty A. Smith, a sister and a brother-in-law, Elsina and Charles Hart and her step-mother, Joan Poorbaugh.

Juanita is survived by a daughter, Cathy Jo Smith of Three Rivers, MI; two nieces, Rebecca Winer and Sharon Growcock and a nephew, Charles E. Hart.

An animal lover, Juanita and Boyd owned and operated Brandywine Shelties, a dog breeding business in Elkhart for many years.  Together they bred, handled and owned numerous Shelties, many earning awards throughout the years.  She also worked as a secretary for Skyline Industries for many years and was a former member of the Central Christian Church in Elkhart.

There will be no services or visitation.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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