Obituary for Erma Pauline Smith

Erma Pauline Smith, 91, of Kenton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:35 p.m., surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 16, 1934, in McGuffey, Ohio, to the late Fredrick and Margret (Carmean) Chalfin. Pauline was first married to Lowell Heilman on September 21, 1952. They later divorced. On April 17, 1977, she married Richard A. Smith, who preceded her in death on August 9, 2010.

She is survived by her children, Sandra (Bud) Gibson, Kathy Martino, and Dan (Connie) Heilman; her grandchildren, Jenny (Benji) Hildreth, Stacie (Chip) LaRue, Amanda Gibson, Lindsey Martino, Ryan (Nickie) Martino, Micah (Michaela) Heilman, Luke (Kitrina) Heilman, Hannah (Christopher) Woodard, Denny Heilman, William Heilman, and Journee Manns.

Also surviving are her cherished great-grandchildren, Hayden and Kaylin Hildreth, Hunter LaRue, Austin and Ethan Ashbrook, Brenna and Brevyn Martino, Blain (Gabby) Keckler, Cohen, Bennett, Cooper, Lincoln, Esley, Grayson, Avery Heilman, and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her great-great-grandchildren, Swaylee and Rosie Keckler.

In addition to her husband and parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her siblings, Faye Potter, Floyd Chalfin, Betty Boecker, and Robert Chalfin.

Pauline worked for North Electric Company from 1952 until 1976. She was a proud member of Kenton Moose Lodge #428 and was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary #1182 in Forest. Pauline was baptized in the McGuffey Church of Christ and carried her faith throughout her life.

Pauline had a fun-loving spirit and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She especially loved her weekly trips to The Kenton Moose to play the buffalo’s (if you know, you know) and was always ready for a trip to the casino or an evening of bingo. Whether she was marking numbers on a bingo card, or simply enjoying the company of those around her, these outings brought her great joy and many cherished memories.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor JMac Geissinger officiating. Graveside services will be at Grove Cemetery following the service. Lunch will follow in the basement of The Kenton Moose Lodge.

Memorial donations in Pauline’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.