Faith Naomi Smith

Faith Naomi Smith, infant daughter of Daniel and Sarah Smith, passed away Saturday November 11, 2023 at her home.

She was born in Indianapolis at Riley’s Hospital for Children on March 7, 2023.

In addition to her parents, Faith is survived by three siblings: Landyn Smith, Harper Smith, Gray Smith; paternal grandparents Larry and Pam Smith, maternal grandparents Mike and Connie Saalwaechter; aunts and uncles Allison and Brad Higginson, Elizabeth and Eric Lancaster, Jennifer and Tim Hall, Adam Saalwaechter; several cousins Charlee, Ella and Smith Higginson, Daniel Lancaster, Caleb, Bailey and Ella Hall; two dogs Annie and Stella.

In Faith’s 8 months, she touched so many hearts and lives, all over this country. She taught everyone what faith is, what love is, strength, hope, miracles, bravery, toughness, compassion, the list goes on and on. She was amazing. She fought from her in-utero congenital heart defect diagnosis, through her surprise cleft palate and Hirschsprung’s diagnosis at birth, through a 91 day Nicu stay, through multiple doctors appointments, tests, hospital stays, and new diagnosis after new diagnosis.

The doctors warned us they didn’t know what her abilities would be. But she proved them all wrong. She was so strong and smart. She couldn’t suck a paci due to her cleft, but she quickly learned to hold it in with her arms. She could roll over. She was learning how to sit up. She could stick her tongue out, even curl it. She LOVED playing with her princess crinkle book. Her love and happiness and smiles were endless.

She was the perfect little sister with the perfect older siblings. She was our princess. Our sassy girl. Daddy’s girl. Bobble Head. Faith Naomi. Faith Macaroni. Faith Bologna. Faif. Noodle. She was our perfect Faithy girl.

God gave us Faith to teach us about love and family, priorities, strength, and faith. Tell everyone every day that you love them. Give and take hugs. Trust the path, even if it’s the one you didn’t think you’d walk. Thank God every day for your blessings and opportunities. Have faith in the impossible.

Services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Tomblinson Funeral Home Henderson Chapel.

Visitation will be 4:00 -8:00 PM, Wednesday and 9:00 AM until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Pastor Chad Hensley will officiate and burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Allison Higginson, Elizabeth Lancaster and Jennifer Hall.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Riley Children’s Foundation in honor and recognition of Faith’s NICU and CVICU care teams, 500 N. Meridian St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or Ronald McDonald House, 435 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.