Sheila J. Smith, 68, of Taylorville, died at 5:16 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.
She will be cremated and no public services will be held. Shafer-Perfetti and Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Smith was born June 24, 1952 in Hillsboro, the daughter of Robert and Sharon (Traylor) Altevogt. Raised in rural Irving on the family farm, she was the oldest of five daughters. She was independent and honest, but was always looking out for her younger sisters. She graduated from Witt High School with the class of 1970, and went on to proudly serve her country in the United States Air Force. Upon her honorable discharge, she stayed in Arizona where she held several different jobs with the federal government, eventually retiring from the Social Security Administration.
It was in Arizona where she met her husband, Earl R. Smith. He preceded her in death in 2007, and shortly after she relocated to Taylorville to be closer to her family.
She loved a challenge, and was excellent at completing Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. She also loved animals, especially cats.
She is survived by her sisters, Shirley (husband Jim) Cooper of Taylorville, and Roberta Altevogt of Witt; a niece, Angela (husband John) O’Mahony of Austin, TX; a great-niece, Harlow O’Mahony; two aunts; two uncles; and several cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Peggy Portwood and Donna Wilhelm; and a nephew, Brian Williamson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Road, Taylorville, IL 62568. Visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences.
