Connie Lee Smith, 78, of Clinton IL, passed away in her home on Sunday, May 20, 2018.
She was born February 21, 1940, in Kenney, IL. Her parents were Dean and Cora (Owens) Cromwell.
She married the love of her life, Richard Smith, on May 10, 1957. They just celebrated 61 years of marriage. Together they have three children—Vickie, Terrie, and Wayne. Connie was able to spend her last Mother’s Day weekend with all three of her kids, and for that, we are all grateful.
Known for her quick wit and fiery personality, which showed through even in her final days, Connie was a force to be reckoned with. She proudly served the Clinton community through various boards and committees, including Crimestoppers and, most recently, the Police and Fire Commissioner’s Board.
Anyone who knows her knows that Connie loved fiercely. She had a big family, of which she was extremely proud. But her definition of family extended beyond blood, as she considered many to be her own. Either way, they would all tell you that Connie would do anything for the ones she loved.
She and Richard loved to be hosts, often cooking big meals for family and friends. Connie loved to tell stories, reminiscing about her childhood and her children growing up. She especially loved to tell stories of her grandchildren, reminding them of their orneriness (which was, of course, inherited from her).
Connie and Richard could often be found at the Elks or Eagles, socializing with their friends, giving her opinion on the latest news in Clinton, or bragging about her kids and grandkids. If she wasn’t doing that, she was most likely crocheting one of her famous blankets while watching her soap operas.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Don Roethe. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard, their three kids—Vickie (David) Moore, Clinton IL, Terrie (Bryan) Baker, Grand Island NE, and Wayne (Debbie) Smith, Clinton IL, along with 11 grandchildren—Jacob (Kristy) Moore, Jason (Angie) Carter, Rachel (Darrell) Burbridge, Scott (Karen) Moore, Samantha (Kody) Mair, Allie (Scott) Mulligan, Nicholas (Cassie) Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Robert (Jill) Talavera, Angelia (Donald) Palmiter, and Keith Hurley, and 15 great-grandchildren.
The visitation will be Thursday, May 24, 2018, from 5 – 7 PM at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. The funeral will be Friday, May 25, 2018, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Scott Moore and Pastor Kody Mair officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL.
Memorials can be made to the Clinton Eagles Ladies’ Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
