Jeffrey H. Smelser

Date of Death: November 5, 2022

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visitation

South Chapel

1260 Front Royal Pike

Winchester, VA 22602

Thursday 11/10, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

service

South Chapel

1260 Front Royal Pike

Winchester, VA 22602

Thursday 11/10, 7:00 pm

Celebration of Life

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to
Kiwanis of Winchester
PO Box 2591
Winchester, VA 22604

Jeffrey H. Smelser, 64, of Winchester, VA passed away Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Winchester Medical Center.
Jeff was born in 1958 in Winchester, VA, the son of the late Roy and Ruby Jean Smelser. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1977 and a member of First United Methodist Church. Jeff retired from NALC Health Benefit Plan and during his retirement worked at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. He was the current President of Kiwanis Club of Winchester and for many years was an active member of the Boy Scouts as a Scoutmaster. Jeff was an avid duck pin bowler for many years and was in a bowling league at Pikeside Lanes in Inwood. He loved gardening, watching the snow fall, and Christmastime. Jeff was very involved and active in the lives of his grandchildren who he absolutely loved and adored. Jeff was the #1 Grandpa.
He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Beth” Taylor on June 21, 1981 in Winchester, VA.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Laura Elizabeth Axelson (John) of Traverse City, MI; son, Bryan Jeffrey Smelser (Amber) of Winchester, VA; grandchildren, Ivetta “Ivy” and Bodhi Axelson of Traverse City, MI, Alea Marco of Winchester, VA and Avery Smelser of Winchester, VA; sisters, Sandi Morganthaler (Chaz) of Winchester, VA, Tiffany Smelser of Winchester, VA; brothers, Scott Smelser of Winchester, VA and Chris Smelser (Irene) of Winchester, VA; as well as his beloved canine companion, Linus.
A gathering of friends and family will be Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm with a Celebration of Life at 7pm, all held at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel, 1260 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, VA 22602.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jeff to: Kiwanis of Winchester, PO Box 2591, Winchester, VA 22604.

Christy Broy

Debra and Rem Cussen

R Brent Lloyd

Flora Marco

Debbie Neises

Priscilla Jenkins

Craig Gallagher & Kristina Miles

Laurie & Perry Jackman

Light a candle

South Chapel

1260 Front Royal Pike

Winchester, VA 22602

Map

Thursday 11/10, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

South Chapel

1260 Front Royal Pike

Winchester, VA 22602

Map

Thursday 11/10, 7:00 pm

Celebration of Life

Memorial contributions may be made to
Kiwanis of Winchester
PO Box 2591
Winchester, VA 22604

See Condolences

If I knew the last big brother hug I got from you was the last I would have held on longer and asked for 1,000 more!! The last words we spoke will be on my heart forever. I will miss you deeply!

Scott, Tiffany, Chris and Sandi and all the family. Known this family for over 50 years and you will not find any nicer people in this world all of them!! Charles bowled with them for years and we also knew them thru their cousins for many years. May God hold each of you in the palm of his hands in the days ahead. May Jeff meet his Mom and Dad with open arms. Prayers and one day at a time!!

My family's thought and prayers are with you all.

Smelser family - Very sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers, love and strength are with the whole family. Jeff was an awesome man, always helpful, always smiling and always loving. His warmth will be missed.

Sending deepest condolences at this sad time to Smelser Family. May you find peace and comfort in the hope of seeing your loved one again (2 Cor 1:3)

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I am still in shock and finding it hard to write anything. It is hard to imagine any family memories that do not have Jeff in them. Bowling trips, card games, rooting for the Skins, every holiday. Beth, Bryan, and Laura and your families - I pray for comfort and strength in the days ahead. I hate I cannot be there in person but you hve been in my constant thoughts. I love you all.

I am so very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was always pleasant and smiling. Praying for God to give the family comfort in this time of loss. I worked with Jeff at NALC.

Jeff was a wonderful man. We spent many family holidays with him and you could see real quick he was a family man. He loved helping others and loved his family more than anyone new. He will be greatly miss!

My heart is with all who are feeling this terrible loss. Jeff was an amazing coworker and more importantly a wonderful friend. I will miss him and hold tight to memories of such a kind and funny soul. I am thankful to have known him.

Jeff was a delight to work with at MSV. I shall miss him.

Have known Smelser family for many years. Jeff's mom and dad were great people as well as all the Smelser kids. Jeff was a great guy, had not seen him for a few years. Jeff was just a darn good guy, funny, good duckpin bowler and team mate. His wife is also a very good person. Thoughts and Prayers to family and friends. Jeff you will be greatly missed. God Bless, Randy and Mary Louise.

Our deepest sympathy for the Smelser family! Jeff always seemed to be our "leader" at some of our Welltown Church functions. He was always caring, a smile on his face and a very calm dispositon. Prayers to the rest of the family from Joe and Kathy Davis

We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. It seems like only yesterday the girls were in GSA with Mrs. Sirbaugh, where has the time gone? Jeff was such a jolly guy and we hope you can hold onto those great memories made with him. Our prayers are with the family.

It’s true what they say about the special bond between the oldest and youngest sibling. I adore you Big Brother and I always will. Kiss Mommy for me & I’ll see you later.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful classmate. I have fond memories of Jeff from JWHS, waiting upstairs for Beth’s bus to get there. Jeff was a talented artist too and did a few drawings for me in school. I would help him with some writings in exchange for his art work. May God wrap his arms around you Beth and your families. Jeff was a kind loving soul.

I am so sorry for your loss. I love you all and I am here for you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this hard time. Jeff was definitely one of the good ones gone too soon.

I remember sitting in a cubicle across from Jeff at the NALC Health Benefit Plan late 1980's, along with another employee. Jeff had an absolutely wicked sense of humor. Listening to Jeff and Mr. Bill laugh and crack jokes had me in stitches. Jeff drew wonderful cartoons depicting the topic of the day. Once I told him my new puppy did not get along with my cat and he whipped out a drawing of pen and highlighters showing the cats in helmets hiding behind furniture , at war with the dog. I probably had at least 15 drawings. I really was so fond of Jeff, as well as his brother, Scott. Rest in peace. I wished we had spoken more in the last years.

My condolences for the loss of husband, father, grandfather and brother. My cousin I remember when we would all play together when we were young. Love, hugs and prayers for you all.

My prayers are with Bryan Smelser and family .. I am so sorry Love you all Nana Marco

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Jeff was one of those people you always hear exists and then you meet him....great devoted friend...great family man and loving husband..May you be at peace with your heavenly father....

Our deepest sympathy to the family. What a beautiful soul Jeff was. We feel blessed to have met him and only knew him a short time. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. -Kenneth & Holly Phipps

In memory of Jeffrey H. Smelser, Priscilla Jenkins lit a candle

Jeff and Beth were classmates of mine...Class of 1977. Condolences to the family. He was such a kind soul.

My prayers to Beth, children and grandchildren. I have fond memories of Jeff. The one that comes to mind is the Plum pudding that Mrs. "T" made special for Jeff. She told me it wasn't Christmas unless she specifically made it for him every year. I bet there was much anticipation for the Christmas meal. As they together celebrate Christmas in heaven this year she might just make another one.

God Blessed me with a WONDERFUL Brother. I will always cherish my memories of growing up with Jeff. Your love of Christmas and snow was always so contagious. All my love to Beth Anne, Bryan and Laura and families. I share this huge loss with you. I will always miss him so much! Especially at this time of the year. I know you all will carry-on his loving and caring traits. Everyone who knew him could not help but love him. My comfort in this difficult time is knowing we will all be together at some point. I am sure Jeff will have our mansions in heaven decorated and awaiting us. I love you very much!!!! Scott

My prayers to Beth, children and grandchildren.

Beth, Brian, and Laura, we are so very sorry for your loss. Jeff was the kindest soul in any room who brought such joy to all who knew him. His greatest joy however was each one of you. His family was his light, his love, his strength. You will carry that love with you forever in your hearts. Wishing you love and peace, Kristina & Craig

I will always remember Jeff’s humor and encouragement as my coworker and friend at NALC. And how much he loved “helping” Santa, dressing up for Halloween and his natural artistic talent. I will always smile when I think of him.

I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was a sweet man and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by so many.

Jeff was a great guy that served his community in many ways. My son and I spent many hours with him and Bryan in Scouting of Pack 63 and Troop 63. My family and I are truly saddened by his loss. We pray to God for comfort and peace on his family. Rest in Peace my brother.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.