OBITUARY: Barbegine M. Smith

Barbegine M. Smith, age 87 of Decatur, but formerly of Ridgway, died on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur.

Barb as most knew her was born in Junction, on Aug. 1, 1927, to the late Virgil and Katherine (Loewen) Mead. She was married to Lewis E. Smith Sr. who preceded her in death. She was a member of the Ridgway First Baptist Church and the Ridgway Eastern Star. Before retiring in 1975 she worked for the Herald and Review Newspaper in Decatur. After retiring she moved back to Ridgway, where she enjoyed fishing, hunting with her sister and friends. Barb was a beautiful person and soul and always had a smile for you. She was a good mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be missed.

Barb is survived by a son, Lewis (Kathleen) Smith Jr. of Philo; and two daughters, Gloria (Larry) Summer of Girard and Vivian (Gary) Sebens of Mt. Zion; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a sister, Mary Oxford.

Visitation for Barb will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at the Cox & Son Funeral home in Ridgway. Funeral services are 1 p.m Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Randy Davis officiating. Interment will take place after the funeral in the Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Eastern Star Home, 9890 Star Lane, Macon, Ill. 62544 in her memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com