Melva Jean (Harding) Smith

Melva Jean Harding Smith, age 82, of Greenfield, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on Saturday October 11, 2025, after a

15-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Born on December 19, 1942, in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Parents were Carl & Martha Harding. Survived by husband Dennis K. Smith, married March 1, 1963. Daughter Laura Hodge Smith of Greenfield, Indiana, Grandson Zakary Cline (and Corinne Stantz) of Pinellas Park, Florida, and Granddaughter Carmen Chavez (and Logan Joyce) of Greenfield, Indiana. Sisters, Linda Harding Pope (and Robert Pope) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Sue Harding Wells (and Melvin Wells) of Greenfield, Indiana. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving pets Benny, Marshmallow and Skeeter.

Melva graduated from Greenfield High School in 1961 and attended House of James Cosmetology school in Indianapolis Indiana.

She was a Housewife, Mother, and Vice President of DM&L INC and so much more including Indianapolis Air Show Photographer to support Riley Children's Hospital, Hancock County Emergency Management squad leader, Girl Scout leader, Yoga instructor, and volunteered with Make A Wish Kids Organization, Red Hat Society, Hancock County Historical Society Buck Creek Trustee, Jeep Jamboree Trail Guide, and Sunday School Teacher.

Melva loved spending time with family and friends researching genealogy and Potawatomi Indian Culture. Melva and Denny often attended the Annual Tecumseh Lodge Pow Wow in Tipton, Indiana. Melva loved to dance in her favorite buckskin dress. She taught many Scout troops how to fish and build a campfire. She loved to sew, make clothes and made many cross-stitch projects.

Melva loved God and attended First Presbyterian Church in Greenfield Indiana. She served faithfully by organizing many clothing drives, food pantries and a bread ministry that supplied multiple churches and community organizations throughout Central Indiana. She loved collecting vintage clothing through the years. She organized fashion, hat and apron shows for community groups and nursing homes. In the 1980's Melva's Fashions were highlighted on all 3 local TV news stations.

Denny would like to thank the caring staff of Charter Senior Living of Gateway Park and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate support during the past several months of her life.

Services will be held Monday October 20, 2025, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home. Pasco Chapel 1780 West Main St. Greenfield Indiana. Viewing starting at 10am, Funeral service at Noon with Burial at Park Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association or Riley Children's Hospital.