Ella Jane (McKee) Smith, 87, of McAlisterville died at home, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 10, 2015, after an extended illness.
Born on September 29, 1927, in Walker Twp., Juniata County, she was a daughter of the late Charles D. and Elva A. (Rowe) McKee. On September 7, 1944, she married her late husband Clarence D. Smith, with whom she shared more than 62 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on November 27, 2006.
Jane is survived by her 4 children, Bonnie J. Campbell and her husband Bruce, of McAlisterville, Judy L. Anderson, of Hershey, Donna J. Bissonnette and her husband Richard C., of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, Malia A. Snyder and her husband Leslie, of McAlisterville. In addition to her children, she is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Kimberly (Campbell) Cherichella and husband Bob, of North Carolina, Amy Miller, of Berwick, Jason Miller, of Vienna, Virginia, Joshua Orris, of Hershey, Natasha (Orris) Albert and her husband Charles, of Virginia, a very special granddaughter, Heather (Snyder) Colyer and husband Greg, of Port Royal, Nathan Snyder and his wife Jamie, of McAlisterville; 12 great grandchildren, Morgan (Cherichella) Fleishman and her husband Joshua, of Florida, Scott Cherichella, of Maryland, Jack Cherichella, of North Carolina, Caitlin Miller, of Berwick, Ella Grace Miller, of Virginia, Roma and Colton Orris, of Hershey, Thomas and Charley Albert, of Virginia, Hayley and Sydney Colyer, of Port Royal and Rivers Snyder, of McAlisterville; 1 sister, Jean Sarver, 2 sisters-in-law, Helen McKee and Beryl Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Jane in death were 3 brothers, Charles R. McKee, G. Thomas McKee, Donald A. McKee; 1 sister, F. Ruth (McKee) Bardell; 5 sisters-in-law, Betty McKee, Leone McKee, Ruth Miller, Janet Smith, Isobel Smith, and 5 brothers-in-law, Lester Smith, Earl Smith, George Miller, Clair Bardell and Richard C. Sarver.
Jane, along with her husband, worked the family farm for 43 years until the cows were sold in 1987. She also helped with the Pioneer seed business for 30 years, cooked many meals for the hired help and worked for the Apgar and Stong Greenhouse, for many years. Jane also helped plant a huge vegetable garden and harvest the crops. Until her health would no longer allow her to, she froze and canned vegetables and fruits.
Clarence and Jane were awarded the “100 Year Farm Award” for the farm that has been in the Smith family since 1864.
Jane thoroughly enjoyed going to many Daniel O’Donnell concerts with her daughters and also enjoyed frequent shopping trips with her daughters and granddaughters. They always had a great time on their “family outings”. The “girls” also enjoyed an occasional trip to the beach at Ocean City, MD. Her family was a very important part of her life. She along with many friends and family enjoyed many years vacationing at their camp in Clinton County.
Jane attended Locust Run School and Juniata Joint High School. She was a member of the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren with Pastor Wes Stahl officiating. Interment will follow in the Goodwill Cemetery, Bunkertown.
A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service, Thursday at the church.
For those who wish, memorial contributions in Mrs. Smith’s memory may be made to the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, 52 Bunkertown Road, McAlisterville, PA 17049.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.

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