2009 Smith Family Reunion

September 20, 2009

We had perfect weather for the reunion. Thirty-one family and friends attended the Valentine's Day theme, hosted by Kris Fry. There were many activities going on in the Wolf Lake area, that many of our family members were participating in. First time relatives that attended were Jerry Smith, James Smith and Michelle & Chris Ayres--their children Sierra, Katelyn and Jaden. Everyone introduced themselves and told how they were related to the 9 siblings of James Leander Smith.

Births in the past year were noted---
---------Samuel Kay December 14, 2008 born in China, parents are Andy & Ja Guine Kay/ Margaret McCoy Kay/ Nona Smith McCoy.

Deaths in the past year were noted---
--------Norma Annie Smith died November 18, 2008 in Elkhart, IN. Daughter of Lee Karl Smith.
--------Allan Berkes died February 16, 2009 in Ft Wayne, IN. Son of Faye Smith Berkes-Zimmerman.
--------Howard Berkes died April 18, 2009 in St Mary's, OH. Son of Berniece Smith Berkes.

Marriages in the past year were noted----
--------Andrew & Stephanie Inlow on October 18, 2008 in Zionsville, IN. Andrew, son of Mary McCoy-Inlow-Poyser/Ralph McCoy/ Nona Smith McCoy.
--------Aaron & Julie Berkes on January 3, 2009 in Fort Worth, TX. Aaron, son of Mike Berkes/ Robert Berkes/ Berniece Smith Berkes.
--------Brian & Nicole Kay on June 6, 2009 in Ft Wayne, IN. Brian, son of the late Craig Kay/ Margaret McCoy Kay/ Nona Smith McCoy.
--------Derek & Nicole Savage on August 8, 2009 in Littlefield, TX. Derek, son of Rex Savage/ Robert Berkes/ Berniece Smith Berkes.
--------Seth & Jessica Tipton on September 12, 2009 in Avilla, IN. Seth, son of the late Toby Tipton/ Gwen Berkes Tipton/ Berniece Smith Berkes.

Milestones were shared by everyone.
***John and Gwen Tipton celebrated 60 years of marriage in June.
*** Mary and Stan Tipton celebrated 30 years of marriage in August.
*** Trevor and Deb Tipton will celebrate 30 years of marriage in December.
***Margaret and Charles Kay celebrated 57 years of marriage in September.
*** Thea and David Fry celebrated 35 years of marriage this year.

*** Emma and Colin Tipton graduated from High School this year.
*** Jordon Tipton graduated from Anderson College this year.
*** Trevor Tipton received an award for coaching 20 years of football.
*** Kris & Bill Fry family got see their grand daughter for the first time in June.

Volunteers for Co-Host was suggested. Duties for this job includes--- getting the meat dish for the reunion day; setting up and tear down from the dinner. The rest of duties will be taken care of Kris Fry. Volunteer Gwen Tipton family very graciously accepted this duty for 2010.

Smith Genealogy Book was talked about. Family sheets were handed out to start filling out. We will start updating with our immediate family and then branch out to the other family members of James Leander Smith.
To keep cost down, it was suggested that family members purchase their own 3 ring binder and plastic sleeves. Contributions of pictures for the book are encouraged.

This year door prizes were given out to the following categories:

Man-- John Berkes received gas funnel

Women-- Julia Tipton received pkg of Gladiolus bulbs

Child (newborn to 12 years)-- Jaden Ayres received musical toy

Teenager (13 to 18 years)-- Molly Tipton received bag of chips

Most Children/ Grand & Great grandchildren-- Jerry Smith received a Valentine's twin bears

Married Couple-- Margaret & Charles Kay received dish soap and dish towels

Traveled the farthest-- Alice Hare received an Uncle Larry's map of 6 counties


The kids had fun with the Heart Pinta filled with approximately 8 lb of candy. White Elephant Bingo was played by family members.