Diane L. Smith (Bell), 71, of Manahawkin passed peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2022 at SOMC.  She passed away surrounded with her family by her bedside. Diane was born February 11, 1951 at Paul Kimball hospital in Lakewood and was the daughter of the late Frederick H. and Esther Bell, Jr. Diane was the second oldest of 5 children.  She was a lifelong resident of Manahawkin.  

Diane was a 1969 graduate from Southern Regional High School. She married her husband Sidney Smith Sr. on November 10, 1972. She worked for Grants Department Store, The Motor Lodge in Ship Bottom, and owned and operated Bits and Pieces Country Store in Barnegat.  She had a true love for all animals with a special affection for horses.  She enjoyed scrapbooking, reading cowboy books, and traveling.  Her favorite place to visit was Colorado.  

Diane is predeceased by her loving husband of 25 years Sidney Smith Sr. , her sister Patricia Archer, and both of her parents.  She is survived by her children Kimberly Romberger (Ken), Sidney Smith Jr. (Tina); grandchildren Zachary, Emily, Matthew, Marissa, Kasen, Joshua, Sidney III, Michael; brothers Frederick H. Bell III, David Bell Sr. (Donna); sister Joyce Meyers (Harold); many nieces and nephews and friends.  She also leaves behind her beloved dog Andy. She was looking forward to meeting her great grandson Grayson McGee in July. 

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 2pm to 5pm with a funeral service beginning at 5pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Rd, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org