Jodie D. Smith, 65, passed away unexpectedly due to a medical issue on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Born in South Bend, Indiana on August 28, 1955, Jodie was one of four children born to Richard J. “Dick” and Edna Mildred “Mid” (Bowles) Grolich. She would grow up in Argos, working at their family grocery store. Jodie graduated from Argos High School with the class of 1973. She would attend Ancilla College in Donaldson before transferring to Indiana University-South Bend. She would graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.
In May of 1991, Jodie began working for Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc. as a case manager. With a giving heart and strong determination, she worked her way to the Vice President of Adult Services, and for the last 4 years, served as the C.E.O. of Marshall-Starke Development Center. Jodie was well respected by the staff and loved by the consumers. She grew the agency in her 30 years of service and helped them grow to a $6.4 million non-profit organization. Most recently, she safely ushered them through the Covid pandemic. Work was her true passion, and she truly adored her work, staff and consumers.
Jodie was loving, kind and giving to others. She was always willing to help and was a “mother” to many. The only thing that topped her work, was being a Grandma. Her free time was spent with her four grandchildren. Reading and education were important to her, and whenever she visited her grandkids, she brought new books to cuddle close and read. Jodie’s family also meant everything to her. She was there for them in any role she needed to take on and cared for her Mother until her passing. Jodie was a 4-H volunteer in her earlier years and a past member of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority.
Her giving heart gave until the very end, by choosing to be an organ donor.
She is deeply missed by her significant other, Terry Tahara of Bremen; her children, Todd A. (Laury) Smith of Scottsdale, AZ, Jana L. (Robert) Ferraro of Chandler, AZ, Megan (Brian) Crim of New Palestine, IN and Tom Tahara of Bremen; her grandchildren, Finley Smith, Charlie Ferraro, Brooklyn and Jameson Crim; her brothers, John (Deanna) Grolich and Tim (Lula) Grolich, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jodie was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Beverly Jean Taylor.
Friends are welcome from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Eric Ahlemeyer officiating.
Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Marshall-Starke Development Center, 1901 PIDCO Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Per the family’s request, masks are highly recommended to be worn for all services.
Please click the link below to live-stream the funeral service on Tuesday, August 31st at 1PM:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84664764108
Judy, Barb, and Bill Bailey says
Our sincere sympathies to Jodi’s family and friends; and to her Marshall-Starke family. She was truly a wonderful person.
Denise kcole says
Sorry for your loss I know Jodi for a long time Denise
Joe and Barbara Holcomb says
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jodie. Our prayers and sympathies are with her family. May God receive her into His heavenly arms.
Randy J Warner says
On behalf of the Argos High School Class of 1973, we would like to extend our condolences to Jodie’s family and friends. We were very saddened to learn of Jodie’s sudden passing this week.
Jodie was a great friend to many of us for several years.
Randy Warner
Argos High School Class of 1973 – President
C J WARSTLER says
So sorry to hear of Jodi’s sudden passing. She was a school mate of mine but we lost touch when I moved to NC 1979. Condolences to the Grolich family.
Barbara Roach says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jodie’s entire family. She did a great job at MSDC and our family really appreciated it. May she rest in peace.
Bob, Barb & Missy Roach
Twyla Hartman says
Jodie was a classmate of mine 1973. Prayers for all her family and friends.
Jennifer McKee says
My thoughts and prayers are with Jodies family , friends and loved ones. I met Jodie through MSDC and working closely with my agency. This will be a great loss for all those served.
Marie Gerrard says
Losing loved ones is always difficult. When they are sudden and unexpected it is even more difficult. My most sincere sympathy to Terry and family and to Jodie’s family.
Kim Snyder says
Jodie was our baby sitter when we were young. She and
her family were dear to us! Prayers and hugs.
Kim, Darci, and Mitch
Myrna Galbraith says
Jodie and I didn’t share many classes together at Argos but I remember her quiet and sweet nature. It sounds as though she touched many lives with her teacher’s heart and passion for service. Prayers of comfort for the family.
Myrna Jones Galbraith
Waldron, IN
Class of ’73
Karen says
Jodie, You will be truely missed by us all at Marshall Starke .
You hired me 23 years ago, and I’ve always admired your kindness, dignity, and standards in your remarkable leadership.
My condolences for your loved ones
Rest Peacefully
Lynette Eapich says
I worked with Jodie at MSDC and will always remember her laugh. She was a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to her family and for those at MSDC who had the pleasure of working with her.
Diana Good Flory says
So sorry for your loss Jodi was a great person.
Patty Dietz says
So sorry to hear of Jodie’s passing. She tutored our son for a summer almost 30 years ago. Unforgettable. Prayers for you all.
Tim and Inga Crim says
Dear Terry, Megan, Tom, and Jodie’s entire family,
Sending you condolences and strength as you grieve the loss of such a selfless woman.💔🕊️
Tim and Inga Crim
Liz Adams says
I wish to send my condolences to Jodie’s family. Jodie she was an amazing woman, mother, significant other and colleague. I am confident she was a fantastic grandmother as well. Although, our time over the past several years was limited, she was so very dear to my heart. When we would run into each other we would pick up where we left off, as if no time had lapsed. I wish I could be there on Tuesday to celebrate her life. I will forever cherish the wonderful memories she and I shared.
Again, my sincere apologies for your loss and know Jodie will be missed by so many.
Linda Trago says
The loss of Jodie, at MSDC, is devastating. She was always available to staff and to the individuals that attended the facility. She always showed respect and love to each and everyone that was associated with the facility. I loved her dearly as did my son, and we will miss her. My condolences to all the staff at MSDC.
Janice Frucci says
So sorry to hear about Jodie. My sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. She did a great job with MSDC and provided a great service to the Plymouth community over the years. She will be missed by many.
Steve Keiser says
Jodi will be missed dearly for sure. She did so much for everyone she touched both in the community and at Marshall Starke Development. God’s speed Jodi
Jessica Johnson says
What a Wonderful lady her friendliness and smile will be missed in the hallways at Marshall Stark. Will be praying for her friends and family in this difficult time.
Bob and Becky Noren says
We are so very sorry to learn of Jodi’s sudden passing.
Our sincere sympathies to her family and friends.
Bob and Becky Noren says
Jana and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Jodi’s sudden passing. She was such a great neighbor and friend to so many.
We know how much she loved all of you and especially her grandkids.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
An amazing woman, who touched the lives of many people, in a positive way.
Our sincere sympathy,
Ren and Beverly
Pam O'Dell says
So sorry to hear of Jodie’s passing. I worked with Jodie at MSDC before moving to NC. She was a wonderful person and did such a great job with all those she worked with and knew. She will surely be missed by so many. Sending prayers to the family.
Linda Keister says
Jodie and I enjoyed working together at Webster School many years ago. Jodie loved children and was remarkable with them. I am saddened and send my deepest sympathy to Jodie’s family. I was honored to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this heartbreaking time. 🙏
Mike Smith says
I am sorry to hear of Jodie’s passing. My condolences to her family, friends and co-workers.
Kevin & Melodie Overmyer says
Prayers for Jodie’s family as they grieve such a tragic loss. She was a special person who personified the acts of giving and caring.
Brittany Allen says
She was a very nice lady jodi you will be missed RIP you will be missed from Marshall Starke
Tammy I Ludwig says
The (Kenneth) Ludwig family of Plymouth Indiana offers their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jodie-thank you, Jodie for all the help you gave our family with my brother-you made a difference and were a great friend and sounding board for our family. Thank you for everything you did for Marshall Starke and all the people you touched-you were an amazing person and your community knows this along with all who loved you-God bless you until we all meet again, -Tammy Ludwig