The Lainhart family announces the passing of Ann Smith Lainhart, a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, who passed away on April 5th at Ashton Creek Nursing Home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she had lived for the past five years.

Raised in Cincinnati, she was the daughter of Dr. William Lainhart and wife Kay, and the sister of Steve. She graduated with honors from Anderson High School, then attended Macalester College before earning her degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 1973.

Following her academic pursuits, she studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Although she worked in several restaurants, she ultimately found her calling in genealogy, a field that combined her love of history and research.

She became highly regarded for her expertise in family history, working with clients as well as researching her own family’s past. Her career included positions with HistGEN in Boston and The Mayflower Society in Plymouth, where she contributed significantly to historical and genealogical research.

Her work on a branch of her family in northern Florida during the Civil War led to the discovery of a collection of letters between a Confederate Army captain and his wife. This research became the foundation for The Rose Cottage Chronicles, that she coauthored and which remains an important historical account.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, she was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and teacher, with a particular interest in Bargello needlepoint, where she combined artistic creativity with mathematical precision.

She will be remembered for her intellect, generosity, and wide-ranging talents. She is deeply missed by all who knew her.

Private Family Services will be held.