Ella "Boots" Smith, 88, of Mingo Junction, OH, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 8, 2026 at the home of her loving caregivers, her grandson Charles Ortiz and his wife Michelle, and her two great-grandchildren, Kaydence and Trey Ortiz, who lovingly helped take care of grandma in Wintersville, OH.

She was born August 28, 1937 in Escambia County, Alabama, a daughter of the late Hugh and Helen (Grissett) Flowers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Smith, Sr. on October 22, 2002; a son, James "Jimbo, Smith, Jr. on June 8, 2021; a sister, Christine McGothren; a grandson, Gary "Peanut" Smith; and her son-in-law, Steve Powell.  She has many fur babies waiting for her at the rainbow bridge her Pugs, and her Doberman Zeus whom she lost last year.

Boots was a devoted homemaker who faithfully worked the election polls for many years. She was a longtime member of the Word of Life Fellowship in Steubenville, OH. Known for her wonderful cooking and baking, she shared her talents generously with family and friends. Ella was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and friend, whose greatest joy came from spending time with—and lovingly caring for—her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren.

Surviving are a daughter, Dawn Powell and her fiancé John LaRue of Mingo Junction, OH; a son, Chris (Diana "Dee") Smith of Mingo Junction, OH; a daughter-in-law, Roberta Smith of Steubenville, OH; two brothers, William "Bill" Flowers and Curtis Flowers, both of Georgia; her precious 101-year-old uncle Tommy Grissett in Louisiana; five grandchildren, Charles (Michelle) Ortiz, Jr., Amber Smith and her boyfriend Austin Boso, Amelia Smith, Brandon Powell and his fiancé Sophie Southern and Mary Richards; and six great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Trey, Chloe, Luke, Amylee and Novah.

The family would like to thank Valley Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Ella the last 3 years.

Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 101 Longview Ave., Mingo Junction, OH on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of her funeral services at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor David Shores, officiating. Private interment at Oakland Cemetery in Mingo Junction.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wheeler Funeral Home to help the family during this difficult time. This may be done on the donation tab above or mailed to Wheeler Funeral Home, 101 Longview Ave., Mingo Junction, OH 43938.

Offer condolences online at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.