Olive Gray Groscost Smilek

Olive Gray Groscost Smilek, 101, of  North Sewickley Twp. died on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Northview Estates.

Born April 7, 1911, in the village of Blackhawk, she was the daughter of the late Jacob Clyde and Gertrude McClinton Groscost .

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, F. Philip Smilek; a brother, Donald Groscost, three sisters – Elsie Brown, Twila Grove, and Fern Popp; two daughters in law – Elizabeth Bissell Smilek and Darlene Lockley Smilek; and a grandson, Dennis J. Smilek.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Olive was a member of the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church for 62 years.  She served as the Tax Collector for North Sewickley Twp. for 12 1/2 years .  A 47 year member of the North Sewickley Grange, Olive served as Captain of the First and Second Degree Team and Master of the Third and Fourth Degree Team.  Mrs. Smilek was co-chairman of the Sears Roebuck award winning Community Service Committee.  Olive was a 72 year member of the North Sewickley Ladies Auxiliary where she served as president for two years.  She was one of the organizers and the first president of the North Sewickley Suburban Woman’s Club.  She was also a member of the Ellwood City Hospital Ladies Auxiliary having served as the First Vice President, a pink lady volunteer, and a member of the Ways and Mean Committee.   History was very important to Olive, as she was a member of the Beaver County Historical Society and the Beaver County Genealogy Society.  Having six proven Revolutionary War Ancestors, Olive was a member of the Fort McTosh DAR.  She had a long historical family, research showed that there was a French Huguenot in her ancestry.

Survivors include four sons – Philip C. (Rhoda) Smilek of Ellwood City, Norman N. Smilek of New Castle, James Dean (Sarah) Smilek of North Sewickley Twp., Arthur W. (Linda Leitle) Smilek of Ellwood City; a daughter – Sandra Greer and her companion – Nonce Condell of North Sewickley Twp.; thirteen grandchildren ; twelve great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 on Sunday July 22 at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.  Friends will also be received from 10 until the time of the funeral service at 11 on Monday, July 23 at the funeral home.  Her pastor, Rev. Dr. Maurice Smith will officiate.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Memorial Contributions may be made to North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, the Odyssey Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.marshallsfh.com.