Carole R. Smith, 79, of Strattanville, passed from this world to new life July 9, 2017, at Clarion Hospital after a valiant fight against various illnesses.

Born Carole Rochelle Callihan on December 22, 1937, in Helen Furnace, PA Sweet Carole joined the ranks of what would be a total of twelve children born to Cecil Clair and Mary (Milliron) Callihan, both deceased.

Carole was preceded in death by seven of her siblings: Eugene C. Callihan, Donald C. Callihan, James R. Callihan, Daniel R. Callihan, Evelyn McClaine, Mary Elaine Callihan and Janice Wrobleski.

Surviving siblings are: Paul (Natalie) Callihan of Prescott, AZ; Larry Callihan of Transfer, PA; Beverly (Robert) Hess of The Villages, FL; and Darlene Callihan of Clarion, PA.

Raised a farm girl, Carole was rarely seen without a book in her hand.

She met the love of her life, seventeen-year-old Archie M. Smith, Jr., when he introduced himself to her on the sunny streets of Clarion when she was only fifteen years old. The young couple were married less than a year later, on March 19, 1954, and have been married 63 years. Archie Survives.

While Archie graduated from Clarion Schools that year, Carole would earn her GED in later years, amidst the bustle of raising a large family.

In total, the couple has seven children, four of whom survive: Timothy (Cindy) Smith of Knox; Ronald Smith of Summerville; Vicki Quinter of Clarion; and Jamie Smith of Strattanville. Children lost who are today reunited with Carole in heaven are Kenneth Ray, Curtis Lee, and Amy Rochelle Smith.

Also surviving are a blessed legacy of 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom loved their Grandma Smith deeply.

Carole carried her love of reading into her adult years, adding to it numerous other hobbies and interests.

An avid gardener, she enjoyed the challenge of cultivating unique varieties of plants.

While living on Greenville Avenue Ext. in Clarion, her gorgeous and creative flowerbeds served as a backdrop for countless graduation and wedding photos for family and friends and even drew the attention of passers-by, who frequently stopped to take photographs of their own.

The couple also enjoyed hosting many large picnics on their beautiful grounds.

Hunting local flea markets and auctions was a favorite pastime, as was evidenced by her beautifully decorated home, in which she and Archie always welcomed their many guests with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Carole loved to decorate and crafted many of her seasonal decorations herself.

Not content to travel only locally, however, Archie and Carole embarked upon many memorable adventures up and down the east coast and cruised to Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Costa Rica.

Carole taught ceramics classes out of her own shop for many years and , later, crafted and decorated miniature dollhouses, much to the delight of her grandchildren.

She was also an excellent seamstress and worked many years at Jo-Ann Fabric in the Clarion Mall.

Over the years, she sewed everything from custom home décor to wedding and prom gowns and children’s clothing and costumes for her loved ones.

A Talented planner and organizer, Carole mobilized her skills to serve others by cooking and crafting for family and community events.

Through her service as cook for the summer VBS program at the First Baptist Church in Clarion, of which she was a longtime member, Carole introduced several of her grandchildren to the saving love of Jesus Christ.

She continued cooking and organizing meals for various church functions for many years.

Her other interests included scrapbooking, collecting angels, and more recently, adult coloring.

She also served as a chairman for Cancer Survivor Events during Relay for Life.

Carole’s family and friends knew her as a “rock” of encouragement and stability, especially during difficult times.

The joy of her life was found in contributing to the joys of others.

If a life well-lived could be measured by a life well-loved, hers was a life lived most well.

We will miss her so very much.

Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday July 12, 2017 at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion.

Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11a.m. Thursday July 13, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Clarion where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jason Hunter pastor presiding.

Online condolences may be made at www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.