Ethel M. Smilnak

Smilnak, Ethel M., 92, Cresson, went home to be with the Lord on March 6, 2018 at the Altoona Center for Nursing Care. She was born in Altoona, daughter of late Arthur A. and Agnes R. (Lingafelt) Glunt. On May 30, 1944, she married John Smilnak at St. Aloysius Church, Cresson. They remained happily married until John’s passing in 1992. She was preceded in death by a brother, James F. Glunt; a sister, Louise A. Mentch; a sister-in-law, Dorothy L. Glunt; and a brother-in-law, Franklin B. Mentch. Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews; and many cousins, some who lovingly referred to her as “Aunt Kate.” For 85 years, Ethel was a member of St. Aloysius Church, and she was the first woman lector of the parish. For years, Ethel assisted with the parish festival and was an Auxiliary member of The Legion of Mary. To quote Ethel, “I really loved my church and spent many hours working for it and in it.” For 65 years, she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas-St. Joan of Arc Court; holding many local, district and state offices. Serving her church and community was an important part of Ethel’s life. For 43 years she served the Cresson Township Election Board as Judge of Elections and served for 20 years as an auditor for Cresson Township. Ethel’s special interests included her family, church, Cresson Volunteer Fire Company, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Cresson Public Library, Cresson Ambulance Service and the Cresson Food Pantry. Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018, at Kennedy-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cresson, where the Legion of Mary will recite the rosary. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson, Fr. Matthew Reese celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Kennedy-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Condolences may be made at KennedyAndersonFuneralHome.com