Barbara J. Smith, Monroe, passed into Eternal Life on Saturday, June 4, 2011, in the loving care of her son and daughter-in-law in Monticello. Raised in Chicago by her parents, Eugene and Priscilla (Ten Eyck) O'Heron, Barb ably adapted to farm life following her marriage in Joliet, Illinois to Gordon A. Smith, who, in 1963, moved his young family to rural Monticello to farm. In their retirement, Barb and Gordon moved to Camano Island, Washington, where they enjoyed many wonderful years living on Puget Sound. Following Gordon's passing in 2002, Barb returned to Monroe to be near her family.
Barb will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her church, her serving of bountiful meals, and her extreme generosity. While in Washington, she studied oil painting and created many treasures for family and friends. In her later years, she became a huge fan and promoter of the music of professional yodeler, Kerry Christensen, after first discovering his music at the Turner Hall of Monroe and then getting to know him personally. She also enjoyed being a member of Turner Hall's New World Swiss Club and participating in many activities and events there.
She is lovingly missed by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald G. and Barbara A. Smith, Monticello, and Gregory J. and Deborah Krauss Smith, Monroe; a brother, John (Nancy) O'Heron, Maple Valley, WA; three grandchildren, Michelle (Matthew) Brukwicki and Tracy (Chad) Spotts, both of Monroe, and Brian Smith, Monticello; a brother-in-law, Donald E. (June) Smith, New Glarus; four great-grandchildren, Henry and George Brukwicki and Noah and Troy Spotts, Monroe; and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, and a sister, Sue Westfall.
At Barb's request, there will be no visitation or services. Memorials in Barb's name can be made to the Turner Hall of Monroe or the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Monroe, and can be sent in care of Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home; PO Box 86; Monroe, WI; 53566.
Barb will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her church, her serving of bountiful meals, and her extreme generosity. While in Washington, she studied oil painting and created many treasures for family and friends. In her later years, she became a huge fan and promoter of the music of professional yodeler, Kerry Christensen, after first discovering his music at the Turner Hall of Monroe and then getting to know him personally. She also enjoyed being a member of Turner Hall's New World Swiss Club and participating in many activities and events there.
She is lovingly missed by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald G. and Barbara A. Smith, Monticello, and Gregory J. and Deborah Krauss Smith, Monroe; a brother, John (Nancy) O'Heron, Maple Valley, WA; three grandchildren, Michelle (Matthew) Brukwicki and Tracy (Chad) Spotts, both of Monroe, and Brian Smith, Monticello; a brother-in-law, Donald E. (June) Smith, New Glarus; four great-grandchildren, Henry and George Brukwicki and Noah and Troy Spotts, Monroe; and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, and a sister, Sue Westfall.
At Barb's request, there will be no visitation or services. Memorials in Barb's name can be made to the Turner Hall of Monroe or the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Monroe, and can be sent in care of Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home; PO Box 86; Monroe, WI; 53566.