Novella L. Benge Smith

Novella L. Benge Smith, age 74, of Whitehouse, Ohio, passed away Sunday, June 26th, 2011 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. She was born March 21st, 1937 to Robert and Irene (Zieman) Vernon in Buffalo, New York. Novella was an animal advocate and the founder of Save-a-Pet. She served as a nanny for 15 years and also owned the former Dogwood Inn for 7 years.

Novella was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Oscar Smith; daughter, Sandra Kogler; brother Robert (JoAnne) Vernon; grandson, Bryan Balish; future granddaughter-in-law, Christina Koralewski; niece, Debbie (Rex) Mahlman; nephews, Paul and Brad (Nikki) Vernon; 5 grandnieces and nephews and special children, Tara, Derek and Collin Smith.

The family will receive guests Thursday from 2-7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Dennis Lauman.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Paws and Whiskers or to the charity of the donor's choice.