Arlene Sue Svoboda

Arlene Sue “Mooma” Smith Svoboda, 75, of Worthington, died Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loving family following an eight-year battle with cancer. Following graduating from Lancaster High School, she attended Grant Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at Grant Hospital. In 1959, Susi married Dean Svoboda and started a family. But she gave freely of her time as a volunteer to care for the severely and chronically disabled. She served untiringly as caregiver at the sick bed and death bed of many relatives. Susi was affectionately know as “Mooma” to hundreds and was a mother to all boys, girls, men, women, rich, poor, well-respected, and humble. Susi’s final word to all was, “God is good!” She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandkids and taking walks with her “honey,” her husband, Dean. She was born October 29, 1936 in Lancaster to the late Ernest and Gladys Cordle Smith and was also predeceased by her brother, Sam Smith. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dean E. Svoboda, whom she married March 28, 1959 in Columbus; her children Kathi (Tom) Parker of Jamestown, PA, Joseph (Christina) Svoboda of Columbus, Judy (Brent) Curtiss of Worthington, John (Chrystal) Svoboda of Reynoldsburg, Dave (Amy) Svoboda of Reynoldsburg and Lisa (John) Fox of Milford Center; 20 grandchildren, Anna (Tyler), Thomas, Christopher, Natasha, Aaron, Miriam, Abigail, Moriah, Christiana, Nathaniel, Andru, Cameron, Connor, Leah, Noah, Enoch, Levi, Bethany, Josiah, Jacob; her great grandson, Ezra; her dear sister-in-law, Peg Smith of Wisconsin; her nephews and nieces, Mark, Kirsten (Tony), Tracy (Jon) and Paul (Beth); and many other relatives and good friends, including Pat Prosser, Ralph Cordle, Edna Heiskell, Gertie Carter and Don Sharp. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at First English Lutheran Church in Marysville. Rev. Paul A. Schultz and Tom Parker will officiate and interment will follow at Union Township Cemetery in Milford Center. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Faith Mission Homeless Shelter in Columbus. Underwood Funeral Home in Marysville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.