Mildred Emma Smith

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mildred Emma Smith, 96, Eldorado, passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Galatia.

Mildred was born on the family farm north of Eldorado on Feb. 7, 1914, to Leland and Cecil Ashby.

She was married to Leonard C. Smith on Dec. 22, 1934. He preceded her in death on July 26, 1982.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Hall; and her brother, Col. Lee Ashby.

She is survived by her son, Ron and his wife Judy and two grandsons that she adored, Brent Smith and Shawn Smith of Eldorado; sisters-in-law, Joyce Ashby and Paula Smith; brother-in-law, Charles Smith and wife, Marie; several nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Erna Wasson.

Mildred was the oldest member of Eldorado First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, chapter No. 714. She retired after more than 35 years of service at Illinois Power Company.

Mildred was a great cook and loved to do needlework, but her greatest passion was traveling, which she did extensively. She visited all 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, France, Cuba and several other foreign countries. She made many friends on her travels.

The family extends our sincere appreciation to Dr. Albert Bledig, Barbara Finnie and the entire staff of Good Shepherd Nursing Home for their kind, compassionate care of Mildred these last several years.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at Wolf Creek Cemetery with the Rev. Julie Allison officiating.

In lieu of flowers, for those who desire, contributions in her memory can be made to First United Methodist Church of Eldorado.