Connie Sue Smith-Boyer

Connie Sue Smith-Boyer ~ July 3, 1954 - November 27, 2022

On November 27, 2022, following a nearly three-year courageous battle with breast cancer, Connie Sue Smith-Boyer of North Judson, Indiana passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her beloved home on Grand Pause Farm. She was 68 years old. A lifelong resident of Starke County, Connie was born July 3, 1954 to Mary Lou (Baughman) and William B. Carpenter, both of whom preceded her in death. Connie lovingly raised three daughters - Becky (Bob) Trenner of Indianapolis, Katie (David) Meyers of Knox, and Karen White of Valparaiso - all of whom she shared with her first husband, Hiram Smith. Connie also welcomed two stepdaughters, Kim Gower and Laurie (Kenny) Johnson, into her family when she married her loving husband of 32 years, Dan Boyer, who survives her.

Connie was, above all, a caretaker in every sense of the word. In 1983, as two brave, single moms with five of their own children between them, Connie and her dear friend Margie Born started Rainbow Tot childcare center at Connie's home in North Judson which they operated together for five years. In 1988, Connie opened a larger Rainbow Tot Center facility in Knox and, in 1990, completed her college degree in early childhood education. Over 18 years, Connie cared for and loved countless children in the community as her own. In 1997, Connie and Dan purchased Grand Pause Farm - a beloved property just across the road from Connie's parents in Toto which had been owned by Connie's Baughman relatives since 1889. This enabled Connie to easily care for her parents Bill and Mary as they aged - a responsibility she embraced and performed lovingly to the best of her ability. From 2002 until 2019, Connie and Dan operated The General Store at Grand Pause Farm where they sold ice cream, baked goods ~ including Connie's famous homemade muffins ~ and country home decor. Connie was an avid gardener who loved to get her hands dirty and could easily identify most any plant (and how it should be cared for) from memory. From admiring all the wildlife on Grand Pause Farm to her many cats over the years ~ most especially her beautiful, feisty calico Patches ~ Connie adored animals.

Connie touched many lives with her caring and creative spirit. In addition to all her day care kids, Connie welcomed many employees and friends of Becky, Karen, and Katie into her fold as cherished, chosen family members. She would literally do anything for a friend or family member in need and will be dearly missed by many. In addition to her husband and daughters, Connie leaves behind her loving brother William D. Carpenter (Vicki) of Plymouth, Indiana and sister Sharon Kay Carpenter of Knox, Indiana. Connie was blessed with nine adoring grandchildren - Isaiah, Kendra, and Colton Amidei, Dawson Meyers, Chloe, Ebert, and JoAnna White, Maggie and Annie Trenner, seven step-grandchildren, and one step-great grandchild. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to fund a scholarship in Connie's name for early childhood education. 

Visitation will be Thursday,  December 1, 2022 from 4 PM to 8 PM  at the Braman and Bailey Funeral Home, North Judson, Indiana.

Services will be Friday, December 2, 2022 at 11 AM with Rev Dave Johnston and Rev James Adcock officiating.

Interment will follow at Round Lake cemetery in Knox, Indiana.
 

https://gofund.me/ea832412 for memorial donations.

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