Melanie Smith

MONTEREY, VA MONTEREY, VA Melanie Jean Smith, age 40, wife of Tracy M. Smith, of the Hightown Community of Highland County passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. She was born February 18, 1975 at Bath Community Hospital, a daughter of Melvin Eugene and Terry Lynn (Hull) Rexrode. Mrs. Smith was a graduate of Highland High School, the Staunton School of Cosmetology, and was a member of the Hightown United Methodist Church. A beloved wife, mother, and daughter, she will be fondly remembered for her willingness to place others ahead of herself and always found time to lend a helping hand. Melanie was also fond of all types of animals, having cared for so many throughout her life. She shared that love of animals with her sons, and found no greater enjoyment than the time spent helping them with their show animals. Melanie was employed with First and Citizens Bank in Monterey, and formerly Pendleton Community Bank. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Berlin Rexrode; maternal grandfather, Matlin "Peewee" Hull; aunt, Brenda Lightner and loving cousin, Derek Rexrode. In addition to her husband and parents, surviving family members include two sons, Avery and Alex Smith; maternal grandmother, Fay Hull of Monterey; paternal grandmother, Dorean Rexrode of Franklin, WV and uncles, Tom Hull of Blue Grass and Johnny Rexrode of Moyers, WV. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Hightown United Methodist Church with the Rev. Andre Crummett and George Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Hightown Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Wright, Richie Hicks, Josh Auville, Jamie Will, Luke Hise, Sam Hise and George Smith, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be friends attending the service. Friends may call at Obaugh Funeral Home throughout the day and into the evening on Monday. The family will receive friends following the service at Blue Grass Ruritan Building. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of their mother, to the Avery and Alex Smith Educational Fund, c/o First and Citizens Bank, P.O. Box 529, Monterey, VA 24465. At the request of the family the casket will remain closed. Additionally, it should be noted that the service will take place underneath a large tent beside the church and steps have been taken to ensure ample seating; however you may choose to bring a lawn chair if attending the service.

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