Person Page - 2754

     Imogene Smith was buried at Gundy Cemetery, Bismarck, Vermilion Co., Illinois.¹ She was born on May 8, 1925 at Illinois.¹ She died on April 26, 1926 at Illinois.¹

     Hyla Jean Swartz was buried at Walnut Corner Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^2,3 She was born on June 17, 1923 at Rossville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.² As of February 4, 1942,her married name was Smith.³ She married Howard Leland Smith, son of John Herbert Smith and Emma Pearl Ingram, on February 4, 1942 at Bismarck, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^3,1,2 Hyla Jean Swartz died on January 13, 2017 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois, at age 93.² She Hyla Jean Smith, 93, of Danville passed away Jan. 13, 2017, at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. She was born in Rossville, Ill., on June 17, 1923, the daughter of Reuben and Bertha (George) Swartz. She married Howard L. Smith at the home of the bride on Feb. 4, 1942, in Bismarck, Ill. He preceded her in death in 1994 after 52 years of marriage. Hyla will be deeply missed by her sons, Jack (Linda) Smith of Danville and Kenneth (Linda) Smith of Danville; grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Ghibaudy, Kimberly (Greg) Johnson, Nathan Smith, David Smith, Erik (Jessica) Smith and McKenna (Calvin) Richards; great-grandchildren, Ryan (Samantha) Ghibaudy, Clayton Hall, Madison Smith, Alivea Lucei and Trace (Sarah) Johnson; and great-great-grandchildren, Carter and Chloe Ghibaudy. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Smith; son, Howard (Judy) Eugene Smith; sister, Hallie Lovelace; and granddaughter, Dana Lynn Smith. Hyla attended Squankum School west of Rossville, and then Rossville High. She graduated from Bismarck High in 1941. Hyla lived in the Rossville and Bismarck area on a farm for most of her life. She went to work for Sears in the shoe department in 1960 and retired after 25 years of service in 1985. Hyla also drove a school bus for Bismarck school district for several years. Hyla was very active in several groups like Roselawn Garden Club, 4-H where she taught at the Bismarck Fair and was also the past president of the Sears Retirees board. She belonged to Bunco Club, Thimble Club and was a life-long member of Walnut Corner Church. Hyla spent the last five years at Liberty Estates, where she loved playing cards with her friends. She also enjoyed gardening and maintaining her yard, sewing, making crafts, listening to gospel music and being around her friends and family. Hyla will be laid to rest at Walnut Corner Cemetery. on January 16, 2017.²

     Howard E. "Gene" Smith was buried at Walnut Corner Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.¹ He was born on October 6, 1947 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^1,2 He married Judy L. Cox on June 18, 1972 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^1,2,3 Howard E. "Gene" Smith died on April 3, 2004 at age 56.^1,3 He Howard E. "Gene" Smith - He was born Oct. 6, 1947, in Danville, the son of Howard L. Smith and Hyla J. (Swartz) Smith. He was united in marriage to Judy L Brooke on June 18, 1972. She survives. Other survivors include: his mother, Hyla Smith of Bismarck; his two sons, Capt. Nathan A. (Shawn) Smith of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sgt. David A. (Sarah) Smith of Twenty Nine Palms, Calif; two brothers, Jack (Linda) Smith and Kenneth (Linda) Smith, both of Danville. His nieces and nephews, Michelle (Mike) Ghibaudy of Westville, Kimberly (Troy) Carpenter of Danville, Erik and McKenna Smith, also of Danville. Also surviving are his grandnieces and nephews, Ryan Ghibaudy, Clayton Hall, Madison Smith and Cody Carpenter. He also had three girls that he considers his "adopted grandkids", Mallory and Abby Fields and Courtney Godley. He was preceded in death by his father, both sets of grandparents and a niece. Gene attended Bismarck schools and DACC. He worked at Supersweet Feeds until retirement and then for IDOT for only two days due to his illness. Gene served three years in the Army as well as retiring from the Army National Guard in 2002. When Gene's boys were younger, he helped with T-ball and the Scouts. He served on the Oakwood Park Board, and he donated blood regularly while in the National Guard. He belonged to the Revival Heirs, a southern gospel group for 15 years, as well as a member of the Vermilion Heights Christian Church where he served as an elder. He was on the Praise Team as a chairperson for the CMF. Gene loved his church family and tried to help wherever he was needed. This love was returned to him over and over again during his illness. He also enjoyed traveling and working around his yard. His hobbies were collecting milk jugs and NASCARs. Gene was very proud of his boys and his brothers, and he enjoyed having family over to his home. A celebration of life service for Mr. Howard "Gene" Smith will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 8, at the Vermilion Heights Christian Church; Officiating: Rev. Rod Godley; Final resting place will be at Walnut Corner Cemetery in Bismarck with military rites being conducted; Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville; In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Gene's name to the Vermilion Heights Christian Church. on April 19, 2004.²

     Judy L. Cox was buried at Walnut Corner Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^1,2 She was born on June 7, 1953 at Elizabethtown, Hardin Co., Kentucky.^1,2 As of June 18, 1972,her married name was Smith.¹ She married Howard E. "Gene" Smith, son of Howard Leland Smith and Hyla Jean Swartz, on June 18, 1972 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^1,3,2 Judy L. Cox died on September 16, 2006 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois, at age 53.^1,2 She OAKWOOD— Judy L. Smith, 53, of Oakwood, died at 1:38 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006 at North Logan Health Care in Danville. Judy was born June 7, 1953, in Elizabethtown, Ky., the daughter of Julian L. and Katherine (McBride) Cox. She married Howard E. Smith on June 18, 1972, in Danville. He preceded her in death on April 3, 2004. Judy is survived by her mother, Katherine Cox of Danville; her mother-in-law, Hyla J. Smith of Bismarck; two sons, Nathan A. Smith of Fort Carson, Colo., who is currently serving in Iraq, and David A. Smith of Camp Pendleton, Calif; two sisters, Janelle (Gary) Burton and Sherrie (Rick) Jones, both of Danville; and dear friends, Dick and Kay Warner of Oakwood. She was preceded in death by her father and her father-in-law, Howard L. Judy had worked at Walgreen Accounting in the insurance department for 29 years. She enjoyed reading, going on walks and spending time with family and friends. Judy was a member of Vermilion Heights Christian Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir. She will be greatly missed by all. A celebration of Judy's life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at Vermilion Heights Christian Church with Rod Godley officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Danville. Burial will be at Walnut Corner Cemetery in Bismarck. Memorials may be made in Judy?s name to Vermilion Heights Christian Church. on September 22, 2006.²

     Jack Dean Smith Jack Smith, 73, of Danville passed away at his home with family by his side on Sunday, April 16, 2017. Jack was born the son of Howard and Hyla (Swartz) Smith on February 3, 1944 in Danville. Jack married Linda Dines on January 25, 1964. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters; Michelle (Mike) Ghibaudy and Kimberly (Greg) Johnson, four grandchildren; Ryan (Samantha) Ghibaudy, Clayton (his fiancée Destiny Stevens) Hall, Madison Smith and Trace (Sarah) Johnson, two great-grandchildren; Carter and Chloe Ghibaudy, one brother; Kenneth (Linda) Smith, one brother-in-law; Henry (Teresa) Clapp, Jr., six sister-in-laws; Sandy (Larry) Steinbaugh, Carolyn Pichon, Sue, Evelyn, Rosemary and Donna Dines. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter; Dana Lynn Smith, one brother; Gene (Judy) Smith, his parents-in-law; Ralph & Ercel Dines, brother-in-laws; John William, Ralph, Max, Larry, Donald and Ronald, three sister-in-laws; Ruth, Barbara and Beverly. Jack grew up on a farm east of Bismarck, he graduated from Bismarck High School in 1962, he was a member of their first ever football team. He worked in the Forestry department at Ameren retiring with thirty plus years of service. Jack enjoyed building furniture for his family in his woodworking shop. He loved gardening, watching the history channel How it’s Made and the Illini sporting events on tv. Jack loved to watch his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in all the events they were involved in. He also enjoyed playing solitaire on his cell phone even up to the end of his life. Jack was a member of Faith Church of Christ where he had many roles. He played the piano for 35 years, was a Deacon, a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, built the kitchen cabinets, the wooden cross at the church and the communion table. Jack also previously served on the Bismarck Fire Dept. as a volunteer. He was a member of the IBEW51 and served as their treasurer as well. Jack enjoyed breakfast with his Ameren buddies; Amos Woodrum, Brian Moews, Ron Mockbee and Gene Harmless. Jack left one piece of furniture that he instructed Samantha on how to finish it. Jacks family wishes to give a special thanks to friends and neighbors who have helped the last two years; Brad and Barbie Moews, Brian Moews, Gene Harmless, Ron Mockbee and Bob and Glenda Bennett and also to Transition Hospice for the great care of Jack during his illness.⁴ He was born on February 3, 1944 at Illinois.^3,5 He married Linda Dines on January 25, 1964.⁵ Jack Dean Smith died on April 16, 2017 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois, at age 73.^4,5

     Kenneth Wayne Smith was buried at Walnut Corner Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.³ He Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Smith, 64, of Danville went to be with his Lord and Savior at 2:45 AM on October 27, 2021. Ken was born on March 31, 1957 the son of Howard Leland and Hyla Jean (Swartz) Smith in Danville, IL. He married Linda Carol Witherspoon on October 9, 1977 in Bismarck, IL and she survives. Survivors include his wife, Linda Smith of Danville, IL, one son, Erik (Jessica) Smith of Rossville, IL, one daughter, McKenna (Tyler) Hughes of Danville, IL, two grandchildren, Alivea Lucei and Emberlee Smith both of Rossville, IL, two sisters-in-law, Linda D. Smith and Crystal Lynn, one brother-in-law, Bill (Barbara) Witherspoon, nieces and nephews, Michelle (Mike) Ghibaudy, Kimberly (Greg) Johnson, Nathan (Michelle) Smith, David Smith, Kwame Akosah, Madison Witherspoon, and Leslie Witherspoon. Ken is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jack D. Smith and Howard E. Smith as well as his sister-in-law, Judy L Smith. Ken attended Grange Hall School east of Bismarck, IL and then Bismarck Schools. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1975 and attended DACC in 1976 where he met his future wife, Linda. From repairing to appraising and collecting, automobiles played a large part in Ken's life. Ken owned and operated Ken's Body Shop in his early years and later worked for Koehn Motors in the Body Shop. In 1995, Ken began his career with Country Financial as an Auto Damage Appraiser and retired January 4, 2021. He learned to play the piano at an early age and grew up playing at his family's church, Walnut Corner. As an adult, Ken played the piano for his home churches of Northland Christian Church and later CrossRoads Christian Church. He also played piano for the gospel groups Revival Heirs and Crystal Valley Quartet. Ken loved to worship the Lord with his music. He loved his family and friends very much. Ken's personality was bigger than life. When he was around, there was never a dull moment and he will be deeply missed. Burial will be at Walnut Corner in Bismarck, IL.³ He married Linda Unknown.^1,2,3 Kenneth Wayne Smith was born on March 31, 1957.³ He died on October 27, 2021 at Vermilion Co., Illinois, at age 64.³

     Richard Eugene "Dick" Goodrick was buried at West Lebanon Cemetery, West Lebanon, Warren Co., Indiana.^3,6 His Social Security Number was 317-12-3795.⁷ He was born on March 3, 1923 at West Lebanon, Warren Co., Indiana.^7,5,6 He married Leah Marie Smith, daughter of Lee Robert Smith and Lola Belle Claypool, on December 12, 1942.^1,2,4 Richard Eugene "Dick" Goodrick died on April 9, 2002 at Williamsport, Warren Co., Indiana, at age 79.^2,7,6

     Betty Lou Conner Betty Lou (Conner) Smith passed away Sunday, June 30, 2019. She was born June 26, 1931, the daughter of Donald Thomas and Margaret Louise (Litchlyter) Conner. Betty married Lowell Austin Smith on May 6, 1951, in the parsonage of Farmers Chapel Church in Danville. She passed away in the home they built together with their family. Betty is survived by five children: Cathy Steinbaugh of Danville, Lloyd (Debbie) Smith of Hoopeston, Cheryl (Bruce) Brumett of Bismarck, Cindy (Neil) Ingram of Alvin, and Les (Angelica) Smith of Coppell, TX. Fourteen Grandchildren: Cathy’s kids: Andy Steinbaugh, Joanna (Brad) Howard, Jenny (Rick) Huffman, and Mike (Jen) Steinbaugh; Lloyd’s kids: Luke (Katie) Smith and Molly (Terry) Goodwin; Cheryl’s kids: Bill (April) Brumett, Brian (Katie) Brumett, Ben Brumett, Charlotte Brumett, and Christina Brumett; Cindy’s son: Chris (Adriane) Ingram; and Les’ kids: Lance Smith and Ellie Smith. Thirteen Great Grandchildren: Morgen, Madisyn, Lucy, Teagyn, McKenna, Lawson, Rudd, Riker, Adlei, Layla, William, Noah and Austin and a new little one on the way. Two sisters: Vera Louise Skinner and Donna Jane Yanders. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Lowell; Mother and Father; her Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Lee R. and Lola Belle Smith; Brother John Thomas Conner; Sister Pearl June Durr; Brother-in-law Jesse Skinner and Son-in-law, Jeff Steinbaugh. Betty’s only brother was 20 years younger than she, thus she spent many hours with her father tending the fields and livestock on the family farm. She attended Rossville and Bismarck schools graduating from Bismarck High School. Lowell and Betty spent their married life together in the Bismarck area. They were active members of Farmers Chapel Church where they served as Youth group sponsors. She taught Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School and was very active in church activities. Betty was active in the Bismarck and Grange Hall Schools, she was always a room mother, PTA Member and was the last president of the Grange Hall Grade School PTA before the schools consolidated. She was a true housewife, cooking, cleaning, sewing, helping with the farm work and chores, whatever was needed to keep her family going. She always had a pitcher of freshly brewed iced tea and cookies, donuts or cinnamon rolls ready for anyone who might drop in. When their own children were teens, Lowell and Betty hosted a multitude of kids at their home, known as “The Last Resort.” She loved having little ones around; her happiest moments were spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.² She was buried at Walnut Corner Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.³ She was born on June 26, 1931.² As of May 6, 1951,her married name was Smith.¹ She married Lowell Austin Smith, son of Lee Robert Smith and Lola Belle Claypool, on May 6, 1951 at Danville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.^1,2 Betty Lou Conner died on June 30, 2019 at Illinois at age 88.²

     His Social Security Number was 481-24-1463.⁷ Donald Lee Smith married Joyce Unknown.^1,2,6 Donald Lee Smith was born on June 24, 1929 at Steuben Township, Warren Co., Indiana.^3,7,8 He died on December 31, 2009 at Iowa at age 80.^8,7

     Constance Marie "Connie" Goodrick was buried at West Lebanon Cemetery, West Lebanon, Warren Co., Indiana.^3,5 She was born on August 23, 1943 at Williamsport, Warren Co., Indiana.³ As of September 23, 1962,her married name was Mikel.³ She married Donald Gene "Don" Mikel on September 23, 1962 at West Lebanon, Warren Co., Indiana.^1,2,3,4 Constance Marie "Connie" Goodrick died on August 18, 2021 at Tipton Township, Tipton Co., Indiana, at age 77.³ She Constance "Connie" Marie (Goodrick) Mikel, age 77 of Covington, IN, passed away at 4:25 p.m. on August 18, 2021 at Miller's Merry Manor in Tipton, IN. Connie was born on August 23, 1943 in Williamsport, IN. She was the daughter of Richard E. and Leah Marie (Smith) Goodrick. Connie was a 1961 graduate and salutatorian of Seeger High School. She married Don Mikel on September 23, 1962 at the West Lebanon Christian Church and he survives. Connie was a legal secretary and later worked as an office manager in Danville, IL. She also worked several administration jobs in Oregon and Kentucky that always left her free to do the special mothering things for her children that she always considered her actual job. Connie was a member of the West Lebanon Christian Church where she served as the piano accompanist for many years and taught classes. She enjoyed playing piano and reading. She especially loved her family. Surviving with her husband, Don, are, 2 daughters, Angela Marie Mikel Purcell (husband: Russ) and Pamela Michelle Mikel Novack (husband: Bob) both of Noblesville, IN; 6 grandchildren, Chynna, Austin, Zach, Abby, Travis, and Sayler; 4 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Jackson, Liam, and Kaycen; 1 daughter-in-law, Katie Rigdon of Rossville, IL; 1 sister-in-law, Beth Goodrick of Lafayette, IN; 2 bonus step granddaughters, Ashley and Sarah Novack. Connie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jeffrey Scott Mikel; and brother, Terry Goodrick. on August 20, 2021.³

     Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Mikel was buried at Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, Vermilion Co., Illinois.³ He Jeff Mikel passed Thursday Feb. 25, 2021 unexpectedly at his home in Rossville, IL. He was born April 30, 1964 to Don and Connie Mikel. He leaves his wife Katie Rigdon Mikel, kids Chynna Mikel, Austin Mikel (fiancé Jessica Baker), Abby Mikel (boyfriend Jacob Boyer), Sayler Mikel, and a bonus daughter Jackie Sparnicht. He loved being a grandpa to Hunter, Jaxson, Kaycen, Liem, and Kyla. He had two sisters Angie (Russ) Purcell and Pam (Bob) Novack. He had a large family and was the nephew of Joe (Mickey) Mikel, Dick (Connie) Mikels, Ken (Rita) Mikels, and Beth Goodrick. You read that right. Due to an error half of the family is “Mikel” while the other half is “Mikels.” He was part of the superior half with the correct spelling! He was preceded by his grandparents Roscoe and Helen Mikel, and Dick and Marie Goodrick. Jeff graduated Berea High School going on to obtain a 6 year fine arts degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He had worked as an art director at Creative Products and Health Alliance. As a designer he won several awards including a few Tellys. He was a phenomenal artist and even sold one of his paintings to a collection and it hung in the Louvre and the Guggenheim. In past years he was an EMT on Rossville ambulance and a Captain on the Fire Dept. He was amazing at building, creating, auto repair, restoration, and truly loved working with his hands. He could literally figure out how to fix anything and loved doing it. Jeff loved fast cars, and never met a radar detector he didn’t like. He was a huge Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan – we aren’t sure, but he might still be here if they weren’t losing so much this year. He was funny and witty. Embarrassing his children was a favorite pastime. He made us promise that if he was ever cremated the urn would say “Katie did this to me while I was still alive!” Jeff was kind and generous. He loved to surprise people and buy special gifts. He was the person who always showed up to help if you were moving and stopped if someone was broken down on the road. He was the dad who shot hoops and threw footballs, made Sat breakfast and was a fierce protector of his wife and kids. He was a phenomenal cook. We’ll especially miss his alfredo, fried potatoes, and monte cristos. The funeral will be at 1:00pm Saturday, March 6th at Morningstar Church at 201 N Chicago Street in Rossville, IL with burial at Rossville Cemetery and a dinner following.³ He married Katie Rigdon.³ Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Mikel was born on April 30, 1964.³ He died on February 25, 2021 at Rossville, Vermilion Co., Illinois, at age 56.³