Carole L. Smith, 87, of Spring Mills, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born February 24, 1938, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Emory F. and Alice I. (Weber) Floray, Sr. On October 31, 1957, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall, Carole married Lynn F. Smith.
Carole was a 1956 graduate of Centre Hall–Potter High School. She graduated valedictorian and represented her class in the Flaming Foliage Festival at Renovo. She was a member of the marching band for many years and played in the jazz band.
She began her career as a secretary with HRB Singer in State College before she and Lynn cofounded Clearwater Swimming Pool Company in Centre Hall. They sold the business in 1995 and she retired shortly after.
Carole loved music and taught herself to play the piano and organ. A lifelong member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Carole’s faith and music were central to her life. She served as organist and choir director for over 40 years. She provided music not only for Sunday services, but also for countless weddings and funerals, blessing generations with her talent and devotion. She also taught Sunday school and served in a variety of ways in her church. Carole loved her church and her Lord, and she is now playing the organ in heaven.
Known for her caring spirit and kind heart, Carole touched the lives of all who knew her. She was thoughtful, generous, and always ready to help others.
In her free time, Carole enjoyed watching game shows, tending to her flowers, savoring ice cream, and watching the birds that frequented her feeders. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she treasured every family gathering. She loved cooking and serving amazing meals for the family to enjoy.
Carole is survived by her beloved husband, Lynn, and their four children and families:
• Randy A. Smith (Toni Denise Herzing) of Centre Hall, and their family: Evan M. Smith (Carly) and their daughter, Kayden Smith; Alia M. Stover (Colby) and their children, Cael and Addisyn Stover; Collin J. Smith; Ryan M. Monoski (Lynn) and their children, Matilynn Hepfer, Ryan Hepfer, and Tayla Monoski; and Reanna D. Herzing.
• Lori E. Hoeft (Gary) of Port Crane, NY, and their family: Gary M. Hoeft Jr. (Angel) and their daughter, Nora Hoeft; Timothy J. Hoeft (Taylor) and their son, Finnley Hoeft; Jeshua S. Hoeft; and John H. Hoeft (Veronica) and their son, Maximus “Max” Hoeft.
• Vickie A. Fultz (Glenn) of Spring Mills, and their family: Tyler J. Fultz (Cassandra) and their children, Layla, Avery, and Hackett Fultz; and Marley E. Shaw (Dennis) and their son, Baker Shaw.
• Heather K. Brindle (William “Buck”) of Chambersburg, and their family: Hunter L. Brindle (Caroline) and Cade W. Brindle.
Carole is also survived by two sisters: Shirley E. Reed of Centre Hall and Donna R. Krebs of Centre Hall and two brothers: Charles “Ben” Floray and his wife, Ruth, of Spring Mills and Emory F. “Junior” Floray, Jr and his wife Clarissa of Mechanicsburg.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Selena M. Smith (Meyer), and brothers-in-law Robert Reed and Gerald Krebs.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 noon, with Pastor David Downer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 212, 104 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc., 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., P.O. Box 579, Centre Hall, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.daughenbaughs.com.