Isabelle Merida

Isabelle Merida was born a proud coal miner’s daughter in the hills of Southeast Kentucky. She came into this world at her childhood home in Smith, Kentucky, on July 17, 1943, to her loving parents, Curt and Francis Smith. She passed away on Tuesday evening of January 7, 2025 at the Norton Hospital in Louisville, KY.

As one of 11 children, Isabelle grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of a big family in the holler of Smith. She attended Hall High School, where she formed cherished friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.

In 1960, Isabelle married Otto Stewart, and together they began a new chapter of their lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were blessed with one daughter, Vickie Stewart Anderson, and lived in Norwood, Ohio, for 14 years. Isabelle worked for many years at Gibson Greeting Cards, where she not only excelled professionally but also made lifelong, dear friends.

In 1974, during the coal boom, Isabelle and her family returned to her beloved Kentucky, settling back into the small, close-knit community of Smith. However, in 1982, she made her way back to Cincinnati, where she met and married Carl Merida. Together, Carl and Isabelle built a life of love and hard work, owning and managing several successful establishments, including the well-loved Merida’s Inn.

After retiring, Isabelle and Carl moved back to Kentucky to be near their treasured grandchildren. Family was the cornerstone of Isabelle’s life, and her love for them was boundless. Known for her bubbly personality, Isabelle had the rare gift of never meeting a stranger. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Isabelle is preceded in death by her parents, Curt and Francis Smith, and her siblings: Dwayne Smith, Curt Smith, Monroe Smith, Jeroney Smith, Harry King (H.K.) Smith, Charlie Smith, and Judy Smith.

Left to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy are her devoted daughter, Vickie (Mike) Anderson of Pineville, Kentucky; her adoring grandchildren, Morgan Anderson of Frankfort, Kentucky, Stephen (Brittany) Anderson of Pineville, Kentucky, and David Vanwinkle of Richmond, Kentucky; and her loving sisters, Oma Stapleton of Chuckey, Tennessee, Phyllis Smith of Dayton, Ohio, and Mary (Rich) Egbert of Troy, Ohio.

Family, friends, and loved ones will gather to honor Isabelle’s life on Sunday, January 12th, at the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Smith, Kentucky. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm with Rev. John Carter officiating.

Burial will follow in the Charlie Smith Cemetery at Smith, KY.

Isabelle’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Please feel free to leave a condolence or memory at www.aljfh.com

Isabelle Merida and her family are in the care of the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.