Smokey Lynne Bare

January 23, 1948 - December 18, 2020

Smokey Lynne Louise Bare, a force of nature known for her fierce loyalty, boundless energy, and generous spirit, passed away at the age of 72 on December 18, 2020. In her final days, she was surrounded by comfort at home with her husband, Dr. Ira Mersack, and their two dogs, Mazel and Tevi. Smokey was a true original and blazed her own path from an early age. Emancipated at 16, Smokey developed a strong relationship with the Amish community in Ohio. Smokey continued to be a friend to the Amish throughout her life and acted as an advocate for their community in legal and governmental matters. Her connections to the Amish led Smokey to develop a particular passion for horses. She pursued this passion as a student at The Ohio State University and graduated in 1974 with a custom degree combining focuses in animal science and physical education. After graduation, Smokey competed in dressage eventing and pursued a career as professional horsewoman and instructor. Smokey qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic Dressage team, but was unable to compete due to a U.S. boycott. She won a Bronze Medal from the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and was selected as a world representative for Clydesdales at the Breed Expo held in Lexington, KY, in 1981. Smokey also served as secretary for the Ohio Clydesdale and Shire Association and President of the Dayton Dressage and Combined Training Association. In 1996 Smokey participated in the Atlanta Olympics as a judge for the dressage competitions. From 1980 onward, Smokey routinely served as a judge for the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. It was through her Kentucky horse connections that Smokey met her future husband, Dr. Ira Mersack. For the last decade of her life, Smokey focused on thoroughbred horse racing with her husband Ira on their farm in Lexington, KY. Wearing Smokey’s signature pink silks, the race horses of Su Say Farms made an impact at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Turfway, and other major racecourses. Over the years, Smokey continued to be passionate about equine affairs, but she also made her mark outside of the horse world. The eternal entrepreneur, Smokey ran her own farm, Su Say Farm, along with a catering business, Food with Friends, all while working as an IT contractor with multiple companies and the United States Department of Defense. Smokey was a regular participant in the Ohio State Fair baking competitions and appeared on multiple cooking shows on the Food Network. She also reviewed cookbooks and hosted wine tastings featuring Ohio products. Smokey’s friends were always welcomed to Smokey’s home with good food, good wine, and even better company. Smokey is survived by her husband, Dr. Ira Mersack, and her foster father, Ray Barte. A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 23 at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to Temple Beth Tikvah in Columbus, OH, and the Woodford Humane Society in Versailles, KY. To see a recording of the service please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/q2txlO3SvN7fBoJcawOFKu2GrqwK1F_qaUGQt2lo1vw-QZ6hONuW9ri0DwuDTLg.B0QZ3VNcJTuVtNfa