John Cyrus Smith
Marriages
Freda Nadine Stewart - 1943
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5A Death Notice - March 16, 2017
John Cyrus Smith, 96, Grand Junction, died March 14, 2017, at
Mantey Heights Care Center.
No services will take place.
He was a Presbyterian minister.
Survivors include three sons, John “Jack” Jr. of Portland, Oregon, Carter of Williston, Vermont, and Daniel of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two daughters, Janice Nadine Ferguson of Grand Junction and Melanie Sue Sauza of Ann Arbor, Michigan; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St., Grand
Junction 81506; or to the National Audubon Society, P.O. Box 97194, Washington D.C. 20090-7194.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3D Obituary - April 30, 2017
“Not much longer now, the
pebbles whisper to the wind.”
John Cyrus Smith died at
Mantey Heights Rehab Center
from kidney failure on March
14, 2017, in Grand Junction,
CO. His passage was made
easier by hymns, Bible
passages and old camp songs.
He was holding his daughter,
Janice’s hand with his last
whispered breath. He was 96 years, 11 months and nine days
old.
Born in their farmhouse in Black Lick Township, Indiana
County, Pennsylvania, he was the first born of Vernetta and
George Smith. His seven siblings preceded him in death.
Cyrus graduated from Blairsville High School, received his
bachelor degree from Washington and Jefferson College
followed by a Master in Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological
Seminary.
The churches he served ran the gamut from a small rural
church in western Pennsylvania to a congregation in Detroit
comprised of recent immigrants from Cameroon, Africa.
He and Freda Nadine Stewart were married in 1943 and they
raised five children, John Cyrus, Jr.”Jack", Janice Nadine
Ferguson, Carter Stewart, Daniel, and Melanie Sauza
Cyrus was proud of his children’s accomplishments, and his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His trips to visit them
and having them visit him were bright moments in his life.
Cyrus was a curious amalgam of Bible knowledge, church
protocol, worldliness and awareness of the natural world. He
was intellectually sophisticated which was influenced by
extensive travel outside the United States.
Upon moving to Colorado from Detroit in 2008, he lived
independently at Nellie Bechtel Apartments. His last few years
at the Commons Assisted Living Facility were filled with new
friends, painting in water color classes and exercise groups.
Cyrus was an asset to the First Presbyterian Church in Grand
Junction as an Associate Pastor. His greatest contribution was as
the facilitator for the 9:15 Forum, an open, controversial,
thought -provoking Bible/ life study.
Always a scholar, he enjoyed his computer, studying and
researching for more information to deepen his teaching and
understanding. He possessed a curious open mind and was
always ready to listen to the opinions of others.
“God bless our champion” echoed the participants at Silver
Sneakers Program at Crossroads Fitness Center. For five years
he worked out inspiring younger participants and making good
friends.
He was preceded in death by Freda; daughter, Rebecca Ann
and his siblings.
He is survived by his children; nine grandchildren, and eight
great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the
Commons, Mantey Heights and Drs. Pramenko and Amy
Mohler for their excellent care. Thanks to Bob Brown for his
special companionship and assistance to Cyrus.
Donations in Cyrus’ name may be made to Grand Valley
Audubon Society, PO Box 1211, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
website address for donations is: http://www.audubongv.org/m
embershipdonations.html or HopeWest 3090B N. 12th Street,
Grand Junction, CO 81506.
A memorial service will take place on May 6, 2017 at 11:00 at
First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction,
CO. Please join us to reminisce about Cyrus’ journey and attend
the luncheon to follow.
Callahan-Edfast is in charge of arrangements. To see a video of
his life and offer words of comfort, visit www.callahan-
Edfast.com.
An inernment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Indiana,
Pennsylvania this summer.
