Shirley A. (Downard) Smith (2002)
BLOOM, CARPENTER, DOWNARD, JOHNSTON, SMITH
Posted By: Judy Wight Branson
Date: 4/7/2010 at 08:48:24
The Beacon News,Aurora, Illinois
Tuesday, September 17, 2002Shirley A. Smith, age 78, of North Aurora, formerly of Elburn, passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, September 14, 2002 at Provena Mercy Hospital, Aurora. She was born July 19, 1924 in Parnell, IA the daughter of Robert and Alice (Carpenter) Downard.
The family made their home in Winterset, IA and later in Oskaloosa, where Shirley met Paul E. Smith. On September 27, 1942 they drove to Missouri and were united in marriage and returned to make their home in Oskaloosa. They moved to Elburn, IL in 1962 and Shirley became employed for a time at Furnas Electric in Batavia. More than anything else, however, Shirley was devoted to her life as wife and mother. Following Paul's death in 1982, times were hard for Shirley and getting back into her community was difficult. Good things began to happen however when she became manager of the Elburn Laundromat and worked part time at Gliddon's Drug Store. Having spent most of her life living on Main Street, Shirley knew everyone and work became a joy as she visited with customers and friends.
In 1997, she came to live with her daughter, Karen in Earlville, IL and the following year, they moved to North Aurora.
She is survived by two children: Karen Johnston of North Aurora and Dennis P. (Faye) Smith of Batavia, IL; two grandchildren: Charles (Leslie) Johnston of Bedford, IN and Amy (Eric) Bloom of Bella Vista, AR; three great grandchildren: Joshua and Alaina Johnston and Betsy Bloom; two brothers: Charles (Betty) Downard of DesMoines, IA, Rex (Beverly) Downard of Waukee, IA; one sister-in-law, Tillie Wills, of Oskaloosa (who was as close as any sister could be) as well as many nieces and nephews and a community of friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Paul, one son-in-law Frank Johnston and one sister-in-law Fern Downard.
Local visitation will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2002 from 4-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL where evening funeral services will follow at 8pm. The Rev. Mike Blyth, pastor of the Valley Baptist Church, Oswego will officiate. Iowa visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-8pm at the Bates Funeral Home, Oskaloosa, IA.
Her funeral service will follow Thursday at 11am with interment to conclude at Forest Cemetery, Oskaloosa.
Gravesite
Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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