Eunice E. Urbin

Eunice E. Urbin, 73 of Kewanna went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Born on January 22, 1951 in Rensselaer, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Keith and Marie (Poling) Smitley. Her love for cooking and baking was passed down from her father. She was known best for her noodles and cookies, especially her sugar cookies.

She was a 1969 Kewanna High School graduate. 

On March 8, 1970 she married Ned Urbin, he survives. Together they shared 54 1/2 years of marriage. Determined for their children to grow up in the ways of the Lord, Ned and Eunice maintained a home rooted in Godly wisdom. 

Fulfilling her dream of being an teacher, Eunice ensured her children received a quality Christian education. She taught each of her children, and eventually her grandchildren. She was a beacon of knowledge to those she served academically, and because of her, many saw their dreams of obtaining an education come true.

Eunice was a faithful member of the Rochester Church of God. She served in many capacities such as: catering for church meals, baking for bake sales, teaching Lifegroup classes, and supporting her pastor's wife as a member of her cell support team.

Eunice was employed at Woodlawn Hospital for 10 years. During this time she served as an EMT in the emergency room, field EMT, and CPR Coordinator. She was a well respected member of the care team, and her medical knowledge was called upon both professionally at the hospital, and personally with her family. 

Eunice was formerly employed at Wal-Mart in Rochester, where she retired after 16 years of loyal service. 

Eunice's greatest blessing was her family. She loved her Sunday after church dinners where all the family would pile into the house, hungry and ready to eat the meal she had spent the morning preparing. There was never a meal eaten in her home that did not start with her family circled in prayer, hands joined, and heads bowed. She thanked the Lord for his blessings, but she ensured she thanked Him for her family first and foremost. Her family will keep this tradition alive in the years ahead, ensuring to honor Eunice and her desire to keep her family united.

Left to cherish her beautiful legacy include her husband, Ned Urbin of Kewanna; children, Jay Urbin (Holly) of Milford, Kathy Krachinski of Kewanna, Kerrie Green (Eric) of Kewanna, Joel Urbin of Kewanna, Kellie Swango (Jeremy) of Rochester and Jason Urbin (Jessica) of Rochester, brother, Phil Smitley (Madge) of Bunker Hill; sister, Beverly Smitley of Ohio; twin sister, Janice Wentzel of Kewanna; and sister in law, Deb Smitley of Warren. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by daughter, Karla Urbin; son-in-law, Steve Krachinski; brother, Rev. David Smitley; brother-in-law, Gary Wentzel; and grandchildren, Jeremy Green and Precious Urbin.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the funeral home.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna.

Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Lake Bruce.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Rochester Church of God.

Eunice’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.