Melba J. Smith

Melba J. Smith, 80, of New Castle passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at her residence. She was born June 18, 1945 in Albany, Kentucky to Thurston and Goldie (Ballenger) Jones.

Melba was employed at Huntington Industry, Alpha Pro Fab, New Castle Developmental Center and the Richmond State Hospital, where she retired after 20 years of service with the State of Indiana. Donald and Melba were united in marriage January 4 1963 and recently celebrated 63 years together.

Melba was known by her kind heart and the love she showed to her family and friends. She always treated everyone as she would want to be treated. Melba loved her sons-in-law as her own children. She was the heart of the family, always there for all. There was never a problem she couldn’t solve.

Those left to cherish Melba’s memory include her children, Donna (Keith) Ruetz, Dehronda (Pat) Lawson, Tammie Smith (companion Greg) and Donald Smith II; sister, Becky (Donald) Patton; brother, John Jones; grandchildren Rachel (Greg) Bouslog, Karen Ruetz (companion Greg Hudson), Rebeccah Ruetz (Companion Justin), Keith (Leeann) Ruetz, Jr., Christopher Ruetz, Patrick (Tasha) Lawson, Casey (Carissa) Lawson, Kachina Perkins, Matthew (Krystal) Perkins, Paxton Smith and Juliet Smith; great-grandchildren, Breanna, Tristen, Mason, Kloie, Karma, Kharlee, Nathaniel, Nakayla, Nataleigh (Gulley), Hennessy, Caszie (Brayton) Lawson, Kaleb, Riley (Lawson), Braiden (Jackie), Braylee, Bentley and Breeah; great great-grandchild, Zayvea Leann; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Donald T. Smith; granddaughter Samantha Lawson; siblings, Robert Jones, Jim Jones, Annette Cross and Geneva Jones.

At this time, we would like to thank God for giving us such a kind, loving mom to love and care for us all. Thank you, Lord, for the gift you gave to us a member of our family tree. We love you now and forever more Mom.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Paul Lawson officiating. Burial will follow in Batson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be given to Life Source Church. You may express condolences and share memories of Melba at www.hinsey-brown.com.