Jill Peters Smit

Jill Peters Smit completed the final chapter of her life story on Friday, July 19, 2024, when she passed peacefully in her sleep at home surrounded by loved ones.

Her story began on August 22, 1953, when she was born to Raymond and Arva “Jo” Creek Peters.

She graduated from Central Catholic in 1971 and Ball State with a teaching degree in 1975, followed by a master’s from Purdue University.

Jill married Jerry Smit in 1976 and raised 3 perfect children on their farm.

Many chapters of Jill’s life include a variety of jobs throughout her time: An all-star swim instructor/lifeguard/professional sun worshiper at Columbian Park pool. A hustling waitress and bartender throughout college. A compassionate secondary education teacher at Sunny Side. Owner and operator of Two Tulips stationary store. Combine Queen at Smit Farms, where flip flops were a mandated footwear. Her farming career also allowed her to achieve greatness in her most beloved position: stay at home mom.

If Jill wasn’t running a kid to practice or a meet, she could be found at her favorite place: Lake Freeman. She loved listening to DJ Jerry on their sunset boat rides and watching all the kids playing, but mainly to make sure no serious injuries happened while they jumped off boathouses or tried to ski on skim boards.

Jill had such a strong personal bond with all of the ladies from Catholic Women’s Study Club, her beloved Card Club and Birthday Club, along with many other lifelong friends. Jill always felt life’s journey was most satisfying because of the people you encounter along the way and was blessed to have such a support group until the very end.

While the end of Jill’s story seems sad and abrupt, she is at peace with God watching over us all. Pancreatic cancer may have taken her earthly body, but her spirit is still alive within us.

Jill was preceded in death by Raymond Peters (father), Dr. Richard Karberg (stepfather), and Al Crose (brother-in-law). She is survived by her husband, Jerry, kids, Jared (Jill), Peter (Wendy), and Abbey, grandkids, Cora, Graham, Olivia, and Ava, mother, Jo Karberg, brothers, Jim Peters (Gail), Lindy (Suzy) Karberg, and sister, Mary Ellen Karberg Crose.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lafayette Catholic School Foundation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. Mary Cathedral, 1207 Columbia St. Lafayette, IN 47901 with Fr. Robert Klemme and Deacon Jim Rush officiating.