Sara Marie Smith

August 29, 1980 – May 10, 2026

Sara Marie Smith, a compassionate, loving, resilient, and spirited woman, passed away on May 10, 2026. Born on August 29, 1980, in Middletown, Ohio, Sara lived a life defined by her dedication to others, her unwavering strength, and her joy for life. A beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and teacher, her impact on the lives she touched is immeasurable.

Sara married the love of her life, Derek Smith, on July 27, 2002. Together, they built a beautiful family with their two sons, Tegan and Maverick, in Cicero. Sara’s love for her family was matched only by her passion for teaching. Her commitment to education led her to serve at schools in Florida and Indiana, earning recognition as the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year at RJ Longstreet in Orlando, Fla., and a nomination for the same honor for the 2024-2025 school year at White River Elementary in Noblesville. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom as she often helped students after school, fueled by her desire to make a difference.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sara was known for her love of travel, having visited places like Costa Rica and Colombia. She was an avid listener of KLOVE and a regular at Starbucks, where she favored a Caramel Frappuccino with extra drizzle. An enthusiastic spectator of her boys’ sports activities, Sara also loved walking her dog Izzy and spending time at Hamilton Lake and the beach. Her faith played a significant role in her life, serving in children’s ministries in California, Florida, and Indiana, and participating in inner-city worship in Florida.

Sara is survived by her husband, Derek; their sons, Tegan and Maverick; her parents, George and Brenda Reeves; her sister, Jessica (Eric) Westgerdes; her brother-in-law, Jamie (Andrea) Smith; her mother-in-law, Cathy Smith; her nieces, Lexi and Brynn; and her nephews, Hunter and Mason. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Joe Smith.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Mercy Road Church, 2381 Pointe Pkwy., Carmel. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, in the same location, followed by burial at Cicero Cemetery at 1 p.m. Services are under the direction of Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Homes in Cicero.

For those unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available at my.gather.app/remember/sara-smith-may-2026.

In the face of adversity, Sara remained grounded with her personal mantra: “I am Happy, I am Healthy, I am Healed.” Her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. Please honor her memory by sharing your stories, photos, and memories of Sara on her memorial page.

Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com