Colleen J. “Jill” Smith, age 80 of Evansville formerly of Darlington, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She was born June 11, 1936 at Jenks Maternity Home in Darlington the daughter of Russell and Margaret (Mollrud) Curry. Jill graduated from Darlington High School in 1955 and later attended UW-Platteville for two years. She was united in marriage to Merle T. Smith on September 14, 1957 at Lamont Methodist Church in Lamont. Jill grew up in Darlington. Following their marriage, they lived in San Diego and San Francisco while Merle served in the U.S. Navy. Upon Merle’s discharge from the Navy they moved back to Darlington in 1960. In 1963 they moved to Fort Atkinson, where Jill was very active in a number of civic organizations. In 1981 they moved to Burlington until 1993 when they moved to Evansville where they retired. After retiring they looked forward to spending their winters in the Gulf Shore area of Alabama.
Jill is survived by her husband: Merle at home; three children: Stacey (Michael) Reel and Kathy Dorn both of Fort Atkinson, and Jay (Kelly) Smith of East Troy; six grandchildren: Melissa Krahn, Kristen Lindsey, Kaitlin Dorn, Samuel Lenz, Andrea and Trey Smith; and three great-grandchildren: Ava, Parker, and Maximus; a sister-in-law Barbara (Verne) Tollakson of Berlin and two aunts: Jeanette Carlson and Mayetta Devoe both of Madison. She was preceded in death by her father in 1983; her mother in 2003; and one brother: Richard Curry.
Jill was a member of Lamont United Methodist Church and it’s United Methodist Women. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her family. Jill will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
A memorial service was held Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Lamont United Methodist Church (corner of County D and Hwy 81) with Rev. Christopher V. Leistra officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery at a later date. A visitation was held Sunday, June 26, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jill’s name.
The family would like to thank Home Health United – Hospice for their care and concern during Jill’s illness.