KENTON – Elizabeth Anne (Smailes) Bisdorf, 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 7, 2022. She was born Oct. 11, 1946, to Roy and Mary Alice (Shanks) Smailes in Coshocton. She was a graduate of Coshocton High School.
A lifelong learner, Anne was a graduate of Kent State University, where she received a BS in Social Work in 1970. During her career she continued that education through a master’s degree from Capitol University. Her skills led her on a long successful career path where she retired as the Assistant Director for Social Security Disability Administration of Ohio in Columbus.
But Anne loved spending time with her friends spinning, weaving and knitting wool. She was creative and had a passion for showing that through her arts. As a long time 4-H advisor she loved helping youth to learn the tricks of working with wool and sheep. She was a member of the Malabar Spinning and Weaving Guild, along with several other guilds over the years. She was very proud of her flock of Blue Faced Liechesters that she helped introduce to the U.S. from Nova Scotia. She was active in the Ohio Cheviot Sheep Association.
Her favorite times in retirement were spent with her friends the “Lost Girls” for weekends of crafts and socialization. But her best times were the 44 years she spent with her beloved husband, Gordon Bisdorf, whom she married on Nov. 22, 1978. After living in Knox County for over 20 years they recently moved to Kenton, Ohio, and have spent time exploring the area.
She was a beloved aunt, sister and mother. She is survived by her husband Gordon Bisdorf of Kenton; her two daughters, Emily Buck of Kenton and Bronwyn Greca of Raleigh, NC, and step-daughter Amy Dunham of Cincinnati; her four grandchildren, Harlie Buck, Rayn, Raily and Tavin Greca; a younger brother; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by both parents and older brother.
A visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton.
Donations can be made in her name to Susan G. Komen or Not by Choice in Kenton, Ohio.
Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.
