Eunice Joan (Smith) Reynolds

1933-2022

Eunice Joan Reynolds, 89

(May 6, 1933 – December 25, 2022)

Sullivan- Eunice Joan Reynolds (nee Smith), 89

Eunice Joan Reynolds was born at home on May 6, 1933, in Rocky River, Ohio, to Cecil R. Smith and Ruth Smith, and grew up on family farms in Eaton and Valley City, Ohio.  She graduated from Liverpool High School in 1951 and married Jay Reynolds in April of the same year during his term of service in the U.S. Army amid the Korean conflict.

While living in Valley City, she was elected president of the V.F.W Ladies Auxiliary and also assisted in organizing the town’s sesquicentennial celebration. With her husband, she assisted with the founding and organization in 1962 of the Valley City Frog Jump and participated for many years; it continues to this day.

Eunice did the majority of the driving as the family traveled and camped around the nation, especially driving to and from their summer home in Drummond Island, MI, and their winter home in Lake Okeechobee, FL, for over 25 years.  She was a fastidious bookkeeper, keeping close track of family funds for future plans, and she was a dedicated writer of letters.  She never missed an opportunity to share family history, recipes, and lore with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in cards or letters on birthdays and holidays.  She especially emphasized the importance of an education, and was extremely proud of the industriousness and achievement of her descendants; she had a special place in her heart for the accomplishments of the young women of the family.

She is survived by her children, DeeAnna Leasure of West Salem, Terry of West Salem, Robin and Coy Smith of Sullivan, and daughter-in-law Denise Reynolds. Grandchildren, Courtney and Robert Dieter, Amber Leasure-Earnhardt and Eric Earnhardt, Dane Leasure and Jonathon Hunter, Cody Reynolds; Ryan and Amber Reynolds; Brittney and Shane Robinson, Erin Smith and Zack Jackson; great grandchildren, Kathryn, Remington, Jenavieve, Robert, Lochlann, Molly, Bailee, Alli Grace, Hunter and Liam. Sisters-in-laws, Kathryn, Mary and Betty; Special friend, Joan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Cecil Smith II, Virginia Meyers, Mearl Kline and Earl Kline; her husband, Jay Reynolds and her son-in-law, Dana Leasure.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Weds. December 28, 2022 at the Bauer Funeral Home, 2089 Columbia Road, Valley City, with visitation one prior to the service 10:00-11:00 AM. Pastor Jim Watson, officiating.

Interment – Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Valley City, OH.

Memorials suggested to Akron Children’s Hospital or Medina Co. Fair Junior Livestock Sales Scholarship.

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