MARIA SMITH
5/29/1953 – 10/9/2025

 Maria “Mary” Smith, age 72, of Defiance, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at CHP Inpatient Hospice Center in Defiance, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
 She was born on May 29, 1953, in Lorain, Ohio, to Jesse and Consuelo (Hernandez) Sanchez, and was a proud graduate of Defiance High School, Class of 1972. Maria married the love of her life, Michael Smith, and together they shared 29 beautiful years of marriage.
 Maria cherished her family deeply as a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother. She was a member of the First Church of God and found joy in helping others, reflected in her more than 30 years of dedicated public service with the Defiance County Department of Veterans Services and the Unemployment Office. She will be lovingly remembered for her warm smile, gentle kindness, and her love for all animals – especially her beloved cats.
 She is survived by her husband, Michael; sons, Eric Sandys of Reynoldsburg, Daniel (Emberly) Sandys of Fort Wayne, and Clinton (Ali) Sandys of Columbus; stepson, Travis Smith of Paulding; stepdaughters, Brenda Smith of Paulding and Sheila (Keith) Hunter of Defiance; 11 grandchildren; brothers, Jesse Sanchez Jr. and Mario Sanchez, both of Defiance, Jose (Angie) Sanchez of Keller, Texas, and Victor (Tammy) Sanchez of Defiance; sister, Letty Rankin of Defiance; and her cherished fur babies.
 She was preceded in death by her parents.
 Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the funeral home, with Pastor Larry Kennedy officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
 Memorials are suggested to the family or to The Ohio State University – The James Cancer Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.