ASHLAND: Far from the violent death she often laughed about, Effie Smith always wanted to be shot by a jealous wife – at the age of 100! Such is a glimpse into the ornery character and sense of humor of the woman who loved funny one-liners. Described as a “spicy meatball”, Effie had a sly grin and glint to her eyes coupled with a desire to make light of any situation – with a laugh.
Effie passed away quietly, Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025 in her Ashland home at Brookwood Place in Ashland – with family at her side. She was 87.
During Effie’s tenure at Brookwood Place she survived a life threatening disease, a broken hip, numerous falls (too many to count, actually), COVID, and pneumonia. Just naming a few. Her determination, resilience and, yes, stubbornness brought her through all those adversities.
Born Effie Jeannette Shenberger February 7, 1938 in Ashland to Dennis and Nellie (Nicholson) Shenberger, she attended Savannah School. Following high school she married Charles Wolford and they were blessed with two daughters.
Effie worked with the Salesbook Company in Shelby, and will be remembered for working over 20 years in the cost department of the Tuby/Copperweld in Shelby. She later served seven years with the Shelby BMV and finished as one of the friendly samples-gals at Meijer.
Effie was a member of First Congregational Church, and had amassed an impressive doll collection.
To know Effie, was to know a woman who was always put together: hair coiffed, exceptionally well dressed, and impeccable makeup – even to run errands.
She is survived by her daughters Debbie (Doug) Walter of Port Clinton and Dianna Lombardo of Belmont, MI; grandchildren Jake (Kristyn) Lombardo of Rockford, MI and Megan (Andy) White of Ashland; great grandchildren Amaya, Luke, Caroline, Logan, Ruger, Danner and Case; her brother Irvin Shenberger of Ashland, sister-in-law Vickie Shenberger of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dale Shenberger and Dennis Shenberger, Jr, and sons-in-law Larry L. “Lum” Lombardo and Crosby Tompkins.
Effie’s family will receive guests Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, 350 Marion Avenue, Mansfield, where a celebration of her life will immediately follow. Celebrant Dave Roberts will lead the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Effie’s memory to Brookwood Place of Brethren Care in Ashland may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Effie’s family. Share a message of support with them online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Effie-Shenberger-Wolford-Smith?obId=46633648#/obituaryInfo
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Marion Avenue Chapel, Mansfield
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com