Phyllis M. Smith

Phyllis M. Smith, 88. Loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother.

Phyllis Marie Smith, 88, of Rockford, formerly of Galena, IL passed away Sunday, November 28, 2010, in her home at the Bickford House with her family by her side. Born October 21, 1922, in Benton, WI; the daughter of Harry W. and Effie G. (Robins) Northcraft.

Phyllis married Peter Romaine Smith in Indiana on August 10, 1940. She was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she served on the Deacons Board and the Presbyterian Women's and Outreach Committees while living in Galena. She was also a member of Rebekah Lodge No.346 since 1954 and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and a room mother at school for her children. Phyllis also volunteered for church events and as a greeter for the Galena Hospital. She moved to Rockford in 2005 to independent living at the Bickford House where she made numerous friends and welcomed new residents. While there she enjoyed playing Bingo, participated in cooking class and assisted with communion for the church service on Sundays. In her later years she learned how to use the computer and made signs and posters for family and community events. She loved receiving and sending birthday and Christmas cards to her children, grandchildren and friends. Phyllis also enjoyed cooking and baking which she was well known for.

Mom you will be greatly missed by all the lives you have touched through the years. We Love You!

Survived by her children; Ronald (Pat) Smith of Galena, Romaine (Brenda) Smith of Houston, Texas, Kay (Stephen Ehlers) Renner of Rockford, Phyllis (Larry) Jones of Arkdale, WI, Barbara (Jesus) Cantu, Roger (Mert) Smith, Rodney Smith, Ruth Smith all of Rockford, Milly (Kurt Kirchner) Smith of Loves Park, Roy Douglas (Linda) Smith of Rockford; daughter-in-law, Mary Gill Smith of Galena; 27 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; brother, Harry (Calista) Northcraft of Galena; several nieces, nephews, extended family and many special friends. Predeceased by her parents, her husband, Romaine, son Robert, great-granddaughter, Lucy Smith and her sister, Ruby Rosell.]

A special thank you to everyone at the Bickford House who made the last 5 years of moms life a happy, secure, safe and most of all loved. Also thank you to Lavone Buss from Coatsworth in Galena, the nursing staff at OSF 4 East, Dr. Ong and VNA Hospice.

Funeral services in Rockford will be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 2, 2010, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. with a visitation from 4:00p.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. A funeral service in Galena will also be held at 10:00a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010, at Miller-Steinke Funeral Home, 235 S. Bench St., Galena. A visitation in Galena will be from 4:00p.m. until 8:00p.m., Friday, December 3, 2010, at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.