- Date Of Birth: August 23, 1921
- Date Of Death: March 16, 2012
- State: Illinois
Rose Marie Smith, 90, of Centralia died Friday, March 16, 2012, at Salem Township Hospital in Salem. She was born Aug. 23, 1921, in Salem, daughter of Aloys and Helen (Bowlds) Huff. She married Raymond D. Smith on May 25, 1946, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 1991.Mrs. Smith is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Smith and wife Joanie of Marietta, Ga., and Scott Smith and wife Heather of Arlington, Mass.; two daughters, Suzanne Rice of Peachtree City, Ga., and Stephanie Obermeier and husband Kevin of Irvington; four brothers, Wilber Huff and wife Mildred, Robert Huff and wife Judy, Ray Huff and wife Jane, and Phil Huff and wife Nancy; three sisters, Clara Schnake and husband Robert, Mary Mann and husband Jack, and Phyllis Whitely and husband Fred; nine grandchildren, Lesley Rice, Meredith Rice, Christopher Rice, Dustin Smith and wife Meredith, Gary Smith and wife Carter, Tyler Obermeier, Ryan Obermeier, Juliet Smith and Adriana Smith; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Smith and Nicholas Smith; two sister-in-law, Joann Huff and Judith Smith; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Carl Huff and wife Ophelia, and Patrick Huff; and a son-in-law, William Rice.Mrs. Smith graduated from Centralia Township High School in 1939. She continued her education at Brown’s Business College. She started her career as a secretary at the Pan American Candy Company in Ashley. Mrs. Smith assisted at the Smith Grocery Store with her husband Ray. She was a Gallup Poll pollster, a clerk at the Langenfeld Hotel, and ended her working years as a Real Estate Agent. Her life reflected her love for her family, friends and neighbors. She was extremely proud of being a mother and grandmother. Mrs. Smith’s flower garden gave her much joy, and she was often seen tending to her many flowers and sharing them with others. She also enjoyed socializing during her daily walks around the neighborhood and high school track. She had a reputation for being an excellent cook, famous for her apple pies. Mrs. Smith was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church, and enjoyed her participation in Altar Sodality, Catholic Daughters of America, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and especially the choir. She was also active for many years in the Centralia Cultural Society and Pink Ladies at St. Mary’s Hospital.
